2024-2025 News Archive

20th August – St Ives Challenge – Review by Brian Sibley

For our final Summer Event of the season Nicky and Louisa organised the St Ives Challenge.
We were randomly split into two teams, Red & Blue, by picking cards from a bag, these cards had the ten categories on them that each team was then sent off around the town to photograph:

  • A piece of history
  • Child’s play
  • In the Window
  • In the Bandstand
  • River Scene
  • It’s a Sign
  • Human Chain
  • Artwork
  • Unfinished
  • Advert

Lots of fun was had looking for the most photogenic interpretation of the categories while trying to avoid the other team and giving away ideas!
Finally we all met at Floods Tavern for what turned out to be a rather cool evening drink and chat by the river.

We now look forward to deciding the winning team on Tuesday evening!

17th August – Cambridge Modern Architecture – Review by Nicky Cope

Thank you so much Louisa Christie for arranging the Cambridge Architecture walk on Saturday 17th August.

Although there were only four of us, we had a lovely morning looking at the architecture around Cambridge station. It was a long time since I have been to that part of Cambridge, and I was surprised by the buzzy feel of the place with people dining outside in a very continental way.

We took the guided bus to the station and then walked down Station Road, taking photos of the buidings on both sides of the road. We looped round to the foot tunnel, which was amazing from the outside and even more amazing inside. We finished at the Station Tavern for a very filling lunch.

Thank you Louisa

Image below by Peter Hayward

13th August – Holywell Village – Review by Ian Montgomery

This year’s walk round the wonderfully scenic ring village of Holywell was led by Brian Sibley. The evening was pleasant but our hopes of capturing an attractive sunset later were dashed by the sudden build up of cloud just prior to the walk commencement.

Starting at our intended destination – the Ferry Boat Inn – we commenced by taking the high road round the back of the village. Brian and Nicky were able to offer a number of historical and interesting trivia about Holywell as we progressed, adding interest to our dozen or so participants. One non-member had joined our merry throng for the evening and hopefully we’ll see them again on another walk.

Holwell was its usually scenic self, giving various opportunities for photographic images, though to begin with, the number of vehicles passing us on the road was rather alarming for such a small village.

It was only when we reached the church that we received our first moments of proper sunshine, illuminating the tombstones and church with a wonderful golden glow. The Holy Well garden was unfortunately looking a little worse for wear after all the flooding and still needing further draining so we declined to enter.

The easy descent down the hill led to a very attractive yarn bombed post box with a Doctor Who theme that was grabbed by many. Sitting opposite was an old VW Camper van, in need of some work, that also give ample opportunity for inspired photo images.

Our final walk along the front offered nice evening views of the wonderfully scenic old and thatched cottages before arriving at our Ferry Boat Inn destination. We also then discovered the reason for the high number of vehicles encountered earlier, with an impromptu old car rally had popped up on the grass, comprising a number of well kept older vehicles, offering a final chance for some photo images before we descended on the pub for a well earned drink and post walk discussion on a variety of topics.

Image below by Graham Davey

6th August – Houghton Grange Photowalk – Review by Stefania van Lieshout

I had the pleasure of participating in the Houghton Grange Photo Walk in St. Ives, the event promised an exploration of the picturesque landscapes around St. Ives, and it more than delivered.

Organised by Peter Hayward, with a keen eye for hidden gems, the walk started with a lovely surprise. Despite the day beginning with grey skies, the evening light was unexpectedly perfect, casting a magical glow over the scenery.

One of the standout moments was the view over the Thicket. This hidden gem offered beautiful vistas that we would never have discovered without Peter’s expertise. We hiked along secluded paths, surrounded by the symphony of birds making their alarm calls, adding an enchanting soundtrack to our journey.

The group was small but delightful, consisting of four people: Peter, our knowledgeable organiser; Rita, a local from St. Ives who is considering joining our group regularly; Brian; and myself.
The focus was on capturing the natural beauty around us, particularly the lush greenery and majestic trees.

Image below by Stefania van Lieshout

3rd August – 2024 Annual Exhibition Announcement

A Date for your diary – we are pleased to announce that our Annual Exhibition will be held on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd November 2024 in the Free Church St Ives 10am to 5pm each day. More information to follow nearer the time.

30th July – Cambridgeshire Lavender – Review by Brian Sibley

Thanks to Ian Montgomery for arranging this visit to the Lavender Farm, once again managing to choose a very warm Summers Evening!

The temperatures were starting to fall as we arrived, but even so, as soon as we entered the field we were greeted by the smell of the Lavender, setting the tone for a very relaxed evening of photography.

This year it was particularly noted how many different insects were present in the field along with the expected bees, providing a wide range of photographic subjects as well as the classic lavender row shots!

As the evening came to an end, a few photographers waited expectantly for what looked like a magnificent sunset to happen, only to be disappointed as it disappeared behind a cloud bank, but still managed to capture some dramatic skies!

Image below by Jennifer Horn

23rd July – Trumpington Meadows – Review by Debbie Hall

On a very lovely, sunny evening a few of us gathered by Byron’s Pool (next to Trumpington Meadows), for a very interesting amble, led expertly by Alice  – first through woodland and then out into open meadows.

The light on the wild flowers was just beautiful and we took our time wandering around finding specimens to photograph. It’s fair to say there were plenty of flowers and insects to choose from! We gradually ambled to the lake, where there were ducks galore to either watch or photograph, or both. The emphasis of the evening was primarily macro, but many other shots were available. It was great to meet up and chat as well.

It transpired that a number of us had never been to this spot before, so it was great to venture somewhere new. A very enjoyable, relaxing saunter amongst nature – what’s not to love? Many thanks to Alice for organising and leading us.

Image by Brian Sibley

16th July – Needingworth RSPB Ouse Fen – Review by Angela Lucas

The clouds parted, the sun thought about coming out (then changed its mind) and the SIPC made a return visit to the Needingworth RSPB Nature Reserve, and we welcomed Aliette on her first evening outing.

The Reserve promises to be one of the largest reed beds in Northern Europe and we certainly enjoyed an area in transition. What had previously been well trod paths are now overgrown. At times, we felt like explorers hacking through the undergrowth as we made our way towards the lake. Poor old Eliot suffered the backlash of nettles and jaggy branches as he forged a path behind me.

This all made for a challenging evening of photography, we were too late for the fields of daisies and some of our favourite views were somewhat obscured, but naturally we rose to the occasion, or in the case of Tom laid down for the occasion!

Our bravery was rewarded with the opportunity to capture a heavy, green, luscious landscape with just a glimpse of a sunset as we returned to the car park.

Every visit presents us with a different experience and reminds us how lucky we are to have this nature reserve on our doorstep which we can explore and appreciate how it changes over the year.

Image below by Stefania Van Lieshout

9th July – Hemingford Meadow – Review by Brian Sibley

I spent the day looking at the weather out the window and wondering if I should cancel this photowalk for a second time. I held my nerve and kept faith in the weather app and duly headed out in the drizzle. By the time I had reached St Ives and walked to the meeting point on the Bridge, the Sun was trying to make an appearance.

Joined by a few hardy members we inspected the meadow, and other than a muddy puddle by the gate determined that we’d give it a go, and were rewarded by water droplets on the grasses and flowers in the meadow with photogenic skies above.

We then headed back along the river-side with beautiful reflections of the buildings and those skies again, before finishing the evening in the local pub.

Thank you to those dedicated members who joined me!

Image by Angela Lucas

6th July – Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the Naze – Review by Louisa Christie

Super host Nicky pulled off another lovely day in Frinton!

The table was laid, croissants warmed, coffee percolated, weather apps checked whilst we waited for the day trippers to arrive! Which they did, all in one go.

Whilst breakfast was consumed, the usual banter filled the room, we watched the clouds beckon, the showers started, should we hold off or just go, go we did, the rain not heavy enough to dampen us hardened photographers!

Prompt sheets in hand, buckets & spades packed, clingfilm assembled we headed to the sandy beach below. There were a few brave soles about giving their dogs a run on the lovely soft sand, otherwise we had the beach to ourselves.

We ambled our way down towards Walton pier, the tide was against us, but we all managed to get creative with the incoming tide heading our way. Some set up tripods to catch slow motion in the waves, others just shot away with what caught their eye. For some reason my yellow wellies featured heavily in some of the shots. Marc Human gets 10/10 for carrying his bucket & spade for the entire morning.

We retreated to the pier to dry off, have a hot drink. Some ventured through the arcade & out onto the pier to catch the colourful beach huts which are prolific along the promenade.

As we headed back towards the house, more people had appeared, beach hut doors were open, families setting up camp for the day, along with some surfers who were catching the waves.

Back at the house, more coffee was brewed & everyone welcomed a sit down with their picnic. A little sweet treat was served before heading out by car to the Naze.

Weather still a bit of a misle, but unlike last year we could actually see the Naze Tower upon arrival in the visitors car park!

The majority chose to climb the towers spiral staircase 86ft up, the eight different levels allowing a breather to stop & admire the many artworks on show. We were all rewarded at the top when we opened the door to bright blue sky & panoramic views. A quick wave to the others below we headed back down to take a walk along the beach. Cliff erosion is very evident along this section of coastline, much more of a natural landscape, which offered us photographers a point of difference from the mornings scenes, this time with natural props like fallen trees strewn on the sand, plentiful coloured shells & various seaweeds.

By late afternoon us snappy bunch were happy to retire to the Naze Center for a well earned cuppa. The majority left from here to head home. The final six headed back to the house for either a rest or a bit more photography on the beach. The day was rounded off with a very nice meal at a local pub & a lot more chat!

Image by Stefania Van Lieshout

29th June – Cambridge Botanic Gardens – Review by Debbie Hall

Well, the weather forecast said dull and overcast…….. it was anything but! Glorious sunshine greeted us at the gates of the Botanic Gardens and remained with us throughtout the morning.

The Gardens themselves were as beautiful as ever, with lots of different plants and flowers to see and photograph.  Louisa led the five of us who attended around, starting with the lake and then progressing onto the Bee Borders, which were a riot of mostly purple.

By the time we’d finished there, coffee and cake (or other), were definitely calling (especially to Debbie – if you know you know!). After a pleasant chat, we then completed our tour of the gardens, which led us back, via many colourful flower beds, to the entrance and a timely moment to call it a day, after 3 hours of intense photography.

Huge thanks to Louisa for organising and leading the visit.  I believe we all had a lovely time, aided so much by the company and the fabulous weather.  It all reminded me of the phrase, ‘everyone needs nature

Image by Debbie Hall

25th June – Ramsey Rural Museum – Review by Brian Sibley

A new event for this summer proved to be a hit! A fascinating museum covering many aspects of local life from the local pharmacist’s shop, wartime at RAF Upwood to a school room and collection of more modern office tools and toys that had many members reminiscing!

With a selection of old buildings housing the collection there was plenty to photograph both inside and out in the beautiful evening light, before finally we all gathered in the restaurant for a chat over a cup of Tea and a slice of cake

Image by Nicky Cope

June 18th – Wicken Fen Photowalk – Review by Brian Sibley

A group of us assembled in the car park on a sunny evening to join Ian Montgomery for a walk around this Fenland reserve. As we made our way into the reserve we were surrounded by calls from a hidden selection of birds including reed warblers and finches and even a cuckoo was heard, but not seen!

We headed along the lode to the west hide where we were greeted by distant glimpses of little egrets and a selection of ducks as well as a family of coots.

As we headed back to the car park we grabbed landscape shots over the reserve with a colourful fenland sky as the sun got lower in the sky, but decided that (being almost midsummer) it was too long to wait for a sunset. To complete the evening a handful of members headed to the local pub for a well earned drink and chat!

Image by Brian Sibley

June 11th – The Manor, Hemingford Grey – Review by Nicky Cope

It had been raining on and off all day, and it looked as though the evening could be a wet one.  However, the three of us who decided to brave the weather were rewarded with a lovely evening with plenty of sunshine.

Diana Boston welcomed us and invited us to wander around both the house and garden at our leisure.  We had all visited previously, so knew much of the history of the house, and its connection to the Children of Green Knowe books by Lucy Boston.

We started in the garden and found that the rain had left us some wonderful water droplets almost everywhere we looked.  Part of the garden is made up of wild meadow and other parts are much more manicured – but it all looked splendid in the evening light.

Having walked around the garden we then went into the house and took photographs of the music room, the children’s bedroom, the dining room and the main bedroom. The character of the house remains unaltered, and many of the items on display were a part of the books and of the Julian Fellowes film “From Time to Time” featuring Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Timothy Spall.

The sun was shining nicely as we left the house, so we finished off with a few more photos in the garden.   All in all a very pleasant evening!

Image by Nicky Cope

June 4th – Houghton and Wyton Photo Walk – Review by Alice Kendrick

Debbie led a lovely and informative evening weaving the history and nature of Houghton and Wyton into a seamless walk through the two villages. The weather threatened to call off the whole thing but a band of 8 intrepid camera wielding members braved the forecast and were rewarded as the sun highlighted the beautiful old buildings against the steely sky… until we had a short sharp shower near the end. No harm was done and we retired to the pub for a well earned drink and continued chat.

Image by Tony Cole