PAGB DPI CHAMPIONSHIPS AT WARWICK

On Saturday we went to the PAGB DPI National Championships at Warwick University, where our Photo group (Beyond Group) were representing the EAF by competing against over 35 clubs from all over Great Britain, for the sixth year running. We came seventh in the end, yet again making our group one of the top ten clubs in the UK, because we finished in the top eight, we automatically qualify for next years competition, next up is the PAGB Print National Championships at Connahs Quay, where again we will be representing the EAF for the sixth year running.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL 2011

Barbie's Gold medal choice photo by Rusty

My Gold medal choice photo by Barbie

outside the EPS premises photo by Barbie
Barbie and I were two of the three judges for the Edinburgh International exhibition, we got the train to Edinburgh Thursday after work, we spent the Friday and Saturday judging the exhibition. We had 2200 prints to go through, we were well looked after by the Edinburgh Photographic Society, staying in a nice hotel near the venue. Got the train back on the Sunday, we had a great time.

MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND AT CAMDEN

Barbie and I went to Camden on the Sunday, had a good time as usual..

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

Me and Martin, not bad for an old man photo by Barbie

Barbie and I spent the Bank Holiday Monday at Mersea Island with friends, it was sunny but windy.

GRASS SNAKES AT ALTON WATERS

photos by Barbie

On Saturday I took Barbie to see the Grass Snakes at Alton Waters, she wanted to photograph them, so I went snake hunting, I found quite a few. There is an area which has been set up to encourage the snakes to breed with mounds of compost material with black plastic or corrugated iron sheets on top. This is because Grass Snakes like to lay eggs in composting material and warm themselves up under the sheets, I found mostly young snakes, and a lot of them were beginning to slough which means they are going to shed their skin, you can normally tell by the way their eyes have a blue film over them.

THE ROYAL WEDDING

"Up the Republic" photo by Barbie

Barbie and I thought we would get as far away from any talk off the Royal Wedding, so we went for a picnic at Alton Waters, couldn't believe how many snakes and lizards I saw, mush more interesting than seeing the over privileged and pompous spending our hard earned money..

EASTER

Barbie changing Skye photo by Rusty

Me and Skye throwing sticks in the water, don't tell anyone..won't do my street cred any good. photo by Barbie

Crass Snake photo by Barbie
Barbie and I have had a few days off over Easter, for a change the weather has been good, in fact you would think it was the height of summer with temperatures of 26 degrees centigrade. We have spent most days at Alton Waters near by to where we live, it is so hot that the Grass Snakes are out a bit early, On one day we took Skye our young Granddaughter, she had great fun.