Please take a photograph of your group "in action." Don't forget to ask for permission from everyone for the photo to be published on the web. Then email it to the address below and we will upload it to the gallery.
Photography Group One 1st May 2024
Ten of us met at the roadside Car Park in Finstown on a day with little wind and some low cloud but with the sun trying to get through. We set off to the Community Garden where we found lots of lovely colourful flowers out as well as tree buds bursting forth. The Burn was a great source of images.
Jocky Wood was painting a new picnic bench with the appropriately titled Wood Stain! He does a great deal of the work on the garden as well as his own just up the hill opposite.
Six of us then headed for Binsgarth Woods.
The track was muddy in places but the spring flowers were out all the way. There was Pink Purselaine, Wild Garlic, Wood Anemone, and the invasive Salmon Berry. Since the tree leaves were not blanketing the light, one was able to get good photos close up. The Burn had lots of interesting tree roots and hanging tyres and ropes from the kids' dare devil antics. Then it was back to the shop for rolls and along to Tom's house for a cuppa and a nice piece of cake. Thank you very much for that Tom and all the stories too.
The next meeting will be going to Westray on Wednesday 29th May for the day. Arrangement will be made nearer the time.
All in all a lovely morning, taking time to look at the flowers and listen to the Wrens, Willow Warblers, Chaffinches and Robins singing in the woods.
Keep clicking.
Walking Group One 25th April 2024
Five hardy souls collected today at Happy Valley for the first Hill Walk of the year .The temperature was cool with a North Easterly wind blowing and a hint of rain on arrival.
Off we set heading towards Russadale Quarry, spotting a Buzzard on the way.Turning into the footpath we remained sheltered from the wind all the way to the top of the hill.
The sun was out at the Quarry and a Greenshank was feeding at the edge of the Lochan. Then it was up the Peat road to the summit with spectacular views across Stenness and Harray Lochs, plus a view of the Closed Road beyond the Watch Stone. On the other side we looked over the Flow and down towards the Oil Platform and South Ronaldsay
Then it was back down after a stop for a snack and finally a walk around Happy Valley itself. The Daffodils planted by James and others were looking lovely and the Bluebells are days away from opening. Then it was on to a well deserved lunch at the Pier Cafe, having walked 4 miles and gone up 800 feet (and down again )
The next walk will be on Friday 24th May and hopefully more hills and views.
Keep moving.
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP 1 - FEBRUARY
by Tim Wright - 19:18 on 04 February 2015
Nine of us met this afternoon in the Dounby Centre where three members gave us short talks on various subjects .
Firstly ,Barbara gave us a conducted tour of the Distilleries of Islay along with many points of interest including why the Round Church was Round and the history of the Lord of the Isles .Samples were offered and sniffed but only one taker tried them out .A lovely summer trip around a fascinating island .Well done Barbara !
Secondly ,Bunty took us on a circular tour of Iceland. The weather was kind to her although the winter snow had not gone from the Hills in mid June .Lots of thermal springs ,waterfalls plus modern art were viewed . It is a place to be visited but probably in summer unless you like snow ! Good work Bunty !
Thirdly, Steve took us on a Black and White trip around Concrete in Orkney . It sounds dull in the extreme but with Steve's superb eye for detail ,some stunning skies and a few misty days it, was a tour de force by an expert . Thank you very much , Steve.
Photos from Skaill House were perused .The Tiger Skin rug had caught most attention with views from above and low down .Flowers ,Glass ,stuffed birds and the raging seas that day also featured, plus one man walking down the road with a rope to tie himself to a lamppost while he looked at the storm ! An excellent selection of photos from everyone .
"A Festive Event" had a variety of interpretations from Christmas decorations ,a Greek Santa ,The Ba ,a decorated Elephant and even a Wedding .Great to remember Christmas that is 6 weeks ago now .Thanks to all who took part .
Next Meeting is on March 11th at 2pm at the Broch of Gurness .The project for this month, having seen Steve's terrific photos , is "Black and White " .
Sadly, Winkie is going to move to Aberdeenshire before the next meeting .She has been a regular attender and we will miss her sense of humour as well as her excellent photographic skills .Au revoir Winkie !
As our numbers have fallen a bit now ,to 12 from 17 ,I think we could take on a couple of new members. So if you know of anyone who you think would fit into the group ,please let me know.
Keep Clicking ,
Tim
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