Virtual Meeting, Whickham Exchange - Tuesday 13th October 2020.

   

On Tuesday 13th October Morpeth Camera Club were pleased to meet up virtually with Whickham Photographic Club
when six of their members gave a wide variety of presentations to the Morpeth members.

First up was Peter Dixon with detailed shots of the Response War Memorial and Knife Angel, followed by his project
on bricks which took us to Hoult’s Yard, Newcastle. Images of wall art & graffiti together with moody, mono images
of dereliction at the old lead works on the quayside and at the old Stannington Hospital followed. Gloomy interiors
of abandoned houses, night shots of Newcastle Side, misty evening shots taken on the Tyne Bridge contrasted with
those taken at London Fashion Week and of musicians at the Americana Festival at Gateshead.

A relatively new member, Trez Hannon followed with Trez explaining that she planned her holidays around what
photographs she wanted to take. A Northern Lights Cruise and a trip to Reykjavik produced images of towns dwarfed
and highlighted by the spectacle with its wave forms and patterns. A time lapse sequence showed off movements of
the stars and the ribbon effect of the lights to their best advantage. With anecdotes of her travels to Tenerife, Joshua
Tree and Archers National Parks, this made for a very interesting and different presentation.

In contrast Alexander Permain, also a recent member, gave the audience a wildlife show. Puffins in flight, nesting
and in close up on the Farne Islands, Barn owls in their natural habitat, Gannets flying over Bempton Cliffs Nature
Reserve and close up shots of the eye which added drama and detail to his photographs. Grey seals on the Farne
Islands, Long Eared Owl among foliage in Durham and rim lit Red Squirrels at How Hill, Suffolk Red Foxes, Mute
Swans in flight at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve concluded Alexanders’ great presentation.

Another relatively new member, Kathleen Dodds, followed with a presentation of photographs taken in or near her
garden, where she had set up a watering place; of fledgling wrens, Blue Tit, and a Bank Vole. At Thornley Wood we
saw a Heron taking flight and Great Tit nesting. Further afield at Loch Haugh we enjoyed seeing Red Kite, Dunnock,
Kingfisher, bees on lavender and a Loch Awe owl in flight. An unusual monochrome project concluded Kathleen’s
presentation with flowers, Heron, Yellow Chaffinch and a detailed classic MG taken in wonderful light.

David Richardson, President of the club, continued the evening with documentation of the restoration of Newcastle
Cathedral. Whickham Photographic Club had been invited to take photographs of the process from beginning to
completion. The Cathedral interior being so dark contrasting with shafts of bright light from the windows, it was
not an easy project, David explained. Detailed documentation of the interior were preserved in photographs; oak
pews, brass detail and worn ledger stones set into the ground. Scenes taken of the work undertaken followed;
removal of the pews and ledger stones, screening of the organ and chancel and pillar protection. By returning at
regular intervals, the club hope to have an exhibition on completion and to have their project published.

David Stout concluded the evening with a presentation entitled ‘Not Required’ showing his passport and travel
documents, relating to the restrictions on travel at present. Images post and during lockdown of Bamburgh in
February light. Images of the castle in dawn glow were followed by pink, warm cloud formations at sun up.
Reflections in Tewit Tarn, St John’s in the Vale, low cloud over Skiddaw, cascades of water falling at Hindhope
Linn and Hardraw Force, wind-gnarled trees and Erratics at Twistleton Scar, Ingleborough, all made it a varied
and interesting presentation.

This was Morpeth's first virtual interclub meeting and the many different styles of photography made it an
enjoyable and successful evening. A thank you was given to Morpeth for hosting the evening and Morpeth's
club Chairman John Barnes reciprocated by thanking Whickham for their excellent presentations.

Steph.