Alan Woollard Photography

Leipzig in 3d!

2010-02-04T09:18:00.015Z

Hello to you all,

Since I've been running the Somerset3d website I've had lots of emails from other people around the world doing a similar thing. One such person is Frank in Germany who contacted me during the Christmas holiday and runs the website 3d Photos.Net.

Apart from his hometown of Leipzig there are also entries for Sudfriedhof, Innenhofe and other places I don't have a chance of pronouncing correctly to do them justice. A couple of samples can be seen below. I urge you to visit the site to see the full collection.

Top left is Riquet Cafe and the bottom left image is of Uhr am Kroch-Hochhaus, both in Leipzig.

All galleries are also available to view with the orange and blue 3d glasses from Sainsbury's used for the recent 3d week on channel 4 in the UK.

On the Some r set3d website this week's update is for Kingston St Mary. I visited the village in September of last year during a marathon day of 3d, visiting and recording 13 different locations in one day. Not my favourite way of visiting the villages but sometimes

stock is so low, and the following months have too much planned to do, that way is the only way. I may have to do another marathon day soon, as stock is running low once more.

That's your lot for today. Don't forget to visit the Speakin Zummerzet feature to keep yer Zummerzet up and Ill zid ee nex wick.

PS. I'm having problems with the layout. The pictures keep adjusting and moving and the text isn't appaering like it looks when I'm working on the draft. I'll have to have a chat and take lessons from my excellent blogger of a wife who runs the Suzy's Vintage Attic blog.

Blog Resurrection

2010-02-02T13:10:00.006Z

Hello and welcome to the resurrected Alan Woollard Photography Blog.

As previous visitors will know I decided to close the blog in November 2008. My reason was all due to the lack of time I could commit to said blog.

Well, although time is still an issue, I feel that there is too much going on in the world of 3d for me to ignore so I have decided to start blogging again.

So, let's get on with it.

I'm sure all of you are aware of how well the 3d movie Avatar has done at the box office since its release. It looks like 2010 could be the breakthrough year for 3d films.

In other news:

PANASONIC is one of the major players in the new push to 3-D and the company announced its first 3D Blu-ray player at CES 2010.

Key features of the Panasonic DMP-BDT350 are as follows:

3-D Blu-ray player.
PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus video processor.
Supports Panasonic's VieraCast streaming content portal, which will feature content from Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Picasa, Netflix, Pandora and Twitter.
SD cart slot and USB port.
14-second boot up time.
Wi-Fi ready; requires USB dongle (not confirmed whether or not this is included).

As of the date of this posting there is no release date or pricing announced.
3-D Blu-ray will likely require both a compatible HDTV and a new HDMI 1.4 cable, so the true cost of 3-D will be quite high. Also, there's the issue of 3-D Blu-ray media, which will probably be in short supply for all of 2010. No manufacturers have as yet announced any pricing or release dates for 3-D Blu-ray players.

PRESS RELEASE FROM SKY

Sky has announced that the number of customers choosing Sky+HD, the UK’s only high definition (HD) service currently capable of broadcasting 3D services, has increased to 1.313 million following record growth.

Customers have responded in record numbers to Sky’s high quality and great value HD service. Sky has more than doubled the number of HD customers in the last year alone with over 90 customers* an hour joining Sky+HD.

In the next step in the Sky+HD journey, Sky today announced that it will launch the UK’s first 3D channel next year. The channel will offer a broad selection of the best available 3D programming, which is expected to include movies, entertainment and sport. The service will be broadcast across Sky’s existing HD infrastructure and be available via the current generation of Sky+HD set-top boxes. To watch 3D, customers will also require a new '3D Ready' TV, which are expected to be on sale in the UK next year.

This commitment follows extensive research and development activity into 3D, which included Sky becoming the first TV company in Europe to broadcast a live event in 3D TV. On 2nd April 2009 Sky successfully broadcast a performance by Keane live from Abbey Road Studios via the company’s satellite network to a Sky+HD set-top box and domestic 3D Ready TV.
Sky has also confirmed the launch of a comprehensive ‘pull’ video-on-demand (VOD) service next year, to provide Sky+HD customers with additional choice and control to complement Sky+ and the current Sky Anytime ‘push’ VOD service. This new service will use the broadband capability of existing Sky+HD boxes.

Brian Sullivan, Managing Director of Sky’s Customer Group, comments:
“Well over a million homes have future-proofed themselves with Sky+HD, a platform for choice, quality and future innovation. With Sky+ as standard, our customers are already enjoying amazing picture and sound quality on a range of high-quality HD channels which cater to the interests and passions of the whole family.

“Next year we will make our HD boxes work even harder for customers by launching Europe’s first 3D TV channel, as well as introducing a comprehensive video-on-demand service to complement Sky+ and the current Sky Anytime service. “3D is a genuinely ‘seeing is believing’ experience, making TV come to life as never before. Just like the launch of digital, Sky+ and HD, this is latest step in our commitment to innovating for customers.”

Sky launched the UK’s first national HD service in May 2006 which has since become Europe’s most successful HD service. Today Sky+HD customers can watch 33 HD channels from leading brands such as Sky Movies, Sky Sports, Channel 4, Disney, MTV, BBC, Discovery, FX, Sky1 and National Geographic. Sky+HD customers can choose up to 400 hours a day – or 13,000 hours a month – of quality HD content, which is significantly more than any other TV platform.
Further channels are due shortly, including ESPN HD (August 2009), and Sky News HD (Spring 2010), with a view to growing the offering to 50 channels over time.

Further details on Sky’s pull VOD and 3DTV services, including pricing, packaging and entitlement, will be announced closer to launch.

So, it appears that 3d is here to stay this time.

My own site Somerset3d is still going strong with last week's updates featuring Leighton in somerset and Launceston in Cornwall. Terminator fans may wish to check out the Speakin Zummerzet page to see what a Somerset Terminator would sound like (Scroll down to the entry for 14th January 2010).

That's your lot for this post. See you soon.

Thursday 6th November - Blog Closed

2008-11-05T23:41:00.003Z

Hello and welcome to November.

After careful thought and consideration I have decided to close this blog.

The work involved in keeping three websites updated is getting too much, so from now on please visit the Somerset3d website for 3d news and the Alan Woollard Photography site for other news.

Thank you to those who made the effort to read this blog.

I hope you will still visit Somerset3d and Alan Woollard Photography.

Regards,

Alan Woollard.

Thursday 30th October – Dyram Park

2008-10-29T20:58:00.018Z

Good day to you all,

A couple of weekends ago the family and I had a day out in Dyrham Park near the city of Bath.

After our customary detour around the county we finally arrived around lunch-time and headed straight for the canteen. Lunch was enjoyed and digested before we headed off out

again to have a look at the magnificent landscapes. After looking at the gardens and church we ventured out to the front of the house to search out the Deer and Stags that Durham is famous for. It didn’t take the little one long before she saw a lone Stag grazing on the hill-side. A small crowd had gathered to see the a a animal the animal as it slowly wandered over the brow of the hill. Further on we marched up another hill in search of more, and it wasn’t long before we were rewarded. There were probably over 100 of the animals all congregated on a hill top, resting in the autumn sun.

It was great to see real wildlife so close. The little one was excited too and she even had a go on my camera to capture the scene herself.

After a while we decided to give them some peace and headed off for a walk around the grounds before we returned to the car and the journey home. All in all it was a very pleasant day.

Last weekend we made a surprise visit to my sister-in-law’s on the Isle of Wight. Leaving late on Friday night to return on Sunday afternoon, we persuaded the congregation to come back with us to so the little one would be able to spend some time with her cousins. After hours of internet searching and phone calls we eventually found them somewhere to stay and arranged the ferry crossing. It was a long journey back but the look of surprise on the little one’s face when she saw her cousins was priceless.

The weather here has gone really cold and biking to work in the mornings is a bit of an effort, especially after having two weeks use of a company car recently. It will do me good to get back to the exercise though.

Somerset 3d stock is getting really low now so I MUST get out and about over the next couple of weeks and get the stock back up again. Fingers crossed for the wind and rain to stay away.

I have some of my photographs featured on a new website called the Professional Photographic Gallery. Entry to the gallery is by invitation only so I was extremely pleased to be asked to contribute to the team’s project. Thanks to Trevor Hirst for the invite. My entry can be found here.

This week’s update is Buckland St Mary and the fifth page for Amiens is now online.

That’s all from me, have a good Halloween and I’ll be here again next week.

Thursday 23rd October - Trains

2008-10-22T23:21:00.033+01:00

Morning All,

I've been on assignment this week for Mendip Rail Ltd (The people I work for). We bought some new wagons a couple of weeks ago and the powers that be decided that they would like to have a photograph of these shiny new wagons on their first trip out from the Mendips. So, as the unofficial company photographer, I was given the task.

The Boss wanted a photo that would show off the wagons and also show the corporate identity, so they could be used in publicity material.

So, a location was sought and, eventually settled upon. A place called Berkley, just outside of Frome. There were good vantage points from two bridges and a curve to the track. The result was this.

Not bad but too train-spotter-ish (No offence to Train-Spotters intended). So another location was sought and eventually we settled on the Great Bedwyn area. It was felt that the Kennet & Avon Canal, that ran along-side the track here, would add something to the picture. Next step was a location scouting mission.

So, Tuesday morning at 8am I headed off to Great Bedwyn. Once I arrived and found somewhere to park I headed straight for the canal and walked along the tow-path looking for possible sites. It was a beautiful day and the scenery looked fabulous.

The canal was almost still, giving off wonderful reflections, and the trees were an abundance of colours. Unfortunately, it was the trees that were the problem. Wherever a view looked promising, the rail track was hidden by the trees. "Blast" I thought. I ended up walking miles in an attempt to find the view we were looking for. Eventually I found two possible locations. Test shots were taken and, once I arrived back home, the pictures were studied until a final decision was reached. Although I liked the first picture the trees would hide too many wagons, as you can see below. So, with site location decided upon, I had an early night in readiness of my early 7am start the next day.

Wednesday arrived and I set off once again towards Great Bedwyn. Once there I parked up and headed off down the tow-path to find my picture spot. The train had been planned to be at Bedwyn around 10:15am. By 09:30 I was ready and waiting, camera ready, my finger poised. 10:15 came and went, as did 10:30, 10:45 and 11:00. Although I didn't expect it to be on-time, I didn't expect it to be this late either. A call to the MRL office told me the bad news. It was running 2 hours late. "Blast" I thought again. By now my back had stiffened up, caused by me standing still for too long. So the next 30 minutes were taken up by me doing silly walks, in an attempt to get my spine mobile again. The minutes ticked by like hours but, eventually, the train did appear. As it passed by my spot I snapped away as quickly as I could to make sure I'd captured the moment and then, that was it. It was all over. A day and a half of planning and waiting and it was over in less than a minute. All I hoped now is that I managed to capture what my Boss had wanted. He's on holiday for the rest of this week so I won't really know for a few more days yet.

The last picture posted is more or less what I ended up with. More or less in that I can't post the actual photo as that belongs to Mendip Rail, but it gives you some idea.

That will have to do for now as it's getting late. Just a quick line to tell you the Somerset3d updates are of Withyditch and the 4th Amiens page is now active.

Thanks for reading. More next week.

Thursday 16th October - House 3 Photos 0

2008-10-15T22:27:00.005+01:00

Morning all,

As you can see by the header no photographs again last weekend.

The weather was glorious, how it should have been in August, as it happens the weather in August was how we expect it to be in October. Perhaps we ought to juggle the calendar around to suit what the weather is doing.

Anyway, with the outside of the house almost done, I’m hoping to be able to get out and about soon to get some much needed stock for the 3d website. I can only hope this unseasonal weather continues for a few more weeks yet.

This week’s update is of South Petherton and the 3rd week of the feature on Amiens is now active with the pictures taking a journey back from the canals and to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Today I shall be attending the funeral of a good friend of mine.

Nick Flamsteed was tragically killed on his way home from work two weeks ago.
I’ve known Nick since my school days. We used to hang out together when we were 12 until we both left school in 1978. Since then we’d bump into each other three or four times a year and, when we did, we’d always have a good chat for an hour or more, catching up with what we’d been up to and what plans we were making. Nick was a very sociable person. He always had time to talk and was always cheerful and positive with his life. The last time I saw him was a week before he died, at his work-place. It was a quick hello/goodbye this time as customers were waiting for him and I had to get back to work. He was a gentleman and a good friend, I shall miss him.

More next week.

Thursday 9th October - Latest 3D news

2008-10-08T23:21:00.016+01:00

Good day to you all,

Good news for 3d photographers was announced this week by camera makers Fuji. Sometime in the next year they intend to sell a 6 mega pixel digital camera with two lenses to enable 3d photography to be available to all. As yet there is no announcement of a launch date nor of a price. One thing is for sure though, and that is you can almost guarantee that this photographer will be doing his hardest to get hold of one as soon as they are on the shelves. You can read the Fuji press release by clicking here.

This is exciting news for me. At the moment I take my 3d's by using two Canon Ixus's (or should that be Ixi?) and, though I'm more than happy with the results I get from them, I do get a little frustrated trying to capture, in 3d, things that move quickly. Things like water, birds or my step daughter. It usually takes me many attempts before I manage to get a pair of photos that match to be able to create the anaglyph. Now it's not clear to me at the moment if the Fuji with provide me with two shots of the same subject to be able to create my own anaglyphs, or if the camera does all this for you in the form of a lenticular image. I look forward to finding out.

My own photography (3d or otherwise) continues to take a back seat to the house improvements. The weather here has changed for the better, which means more outside house work will be scheduled for the coming weekend. I'll have to see if I can sneak away for a couple of hours to get a couple more villages in the bag.

This weeks update is of Southstoke and the second Amiens page is now active. Southstoke is a lovely place to visit and, though I didn't try it for myself, the local pub, The Packhorse Inn, looked very welcoming. Unfortunately, when I'm out doing the 3d stuff time is of the most importance. So stopping for a meal at the local is not something I do. I ought to be much further ahead in stock for the 3d site that I can really take in everything about the village and enjoy some of the hospitality on offer. Alas, the amount of wet weather we have had this year means I am rapidly running out of new villages to update the website with. In fact, it's been so wet, I wouldn't have been at all surprised had I seen a bearded bloke rounding up 2 of every animal, heading towards a big boat on a hill. So it would really help me if you'd all pray for good dry weather over the next couple of months, just to give me a chance to boost the 3d stock.

Frank Matthys has produced two more 3d books to add to the Bruges in 3d book I've been championing over the last few weeks. He has one of Ypres in France and of Leuven in Belgium. Click here to find out more and don't forget to mention Somerset3d if you should decide to purchase one of his books. The interview with Frank is still on the cards, I'm just waiting for him to have some free time to be able to answer my questions.

Right, that's it from me. I don't want to be too late to bed tonight.

Have a good weekend and I see you all next week.

Thursday 2nd October - House 2 Photos 0

2008-10-01T22:55:00.011+01:00

Hello once again and welcome to October,

As you can see from this weeks title the house won from photography once again.

The weather was glorious again and many hours were spent hacking and sawing away at overgrown hedges and holding on to a pneumatic drill as it hammered it's way through age old concrete to leave me a pile of rubble to clear up. An old wooden picnic chair was also sacrificed to the house improvement Gods in the form of a burning ritual (some photos below) in hope that what we have been doing during the last few weeks will not have been in vain.

All this home-work has left me rather bereft of new photographs to put on to the photography website and I'm also running short of Somerset villages for the 3d site. I can only hope that one weekend in October will be dry and clear enough for me to go off around the county and be able to add some more villages to the 3d stock. More prayers are needed I feel.

October 2008 makes it 3 years since the Somerset3d website was launched. As I mentioned on the main site statistics prove that anaglyphs are popular, and 3d is becoming more popular as the years go by. If 3d is good enough for U2 and Hannah Montana, then it's good enough for me.

This weeks update is of Carlingcott and the first of 6 weeks on the French city of Amiens. The first set of pictures are around the Saint Leu area of the city but following weeks are mainly of the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens, or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens. The architecture is magnificent and I could have spent the whole day photographing the enormous amount of statues and sculptures that are on show in this fantastic cathedral. However, my wife (quite rightly) had other ideas and so a walk around the old part of the city was taken, after we'd enjoyed a meal at one of the local restaurants along the canal. A splendid day out indeed. We shall return I feel.

Due to the constraints of time there are no new pictures added to the photography site this month. Hopefully next month will see a major update and you'll all be clamouring to purchase copies of all my photographs. Well a man can dream can't he?

Anyway, I'm off to bed.

Have a good one, more next week.

Thursday 25th September - Antiques Roadshow

2008-09-24T21:43:00.028+01:00

Hellooo again,

We had a super weekend last weekend. Bright blue skies and warm sun, it really took me back to the days when we used to have four seasons in one year, and one of them being warm and sunny.

Unfortunately a photography trip lost out to a house and garden maintenance weekend. So instead of pointing my lenses at interesting places I was pushing my paintbrush up and down window frames and sorting out an overcrowded garden. My wife did her bit too whilst the little one contented herself with riding up and down the lane and making friends with another same named girl up the lane. Although I missed out on the photographs the house and garden definitely benefited from the work put in.

Frank Matthys, he of the Bruges in 3d book, has made contact and explained that the time he is spending in completing another two 3d books prior to their planned launch has prevented him answering my questions. He has reassured me that the questions will be answered as soon as his work schedule cools down.

As I mentioned last week I was in Wells last Thursday taking 3d photos of the Antiques Roadshow that was being filmed. These pictures will not be appearing on the 3d site, Wells not being a town or village, so you'll have to wait for the 3d book to come ot to see the results. However, I have posted below a small sample of 2d versions for you to peruse. The programme should be aired sometime in January 2009. I'll advise you nearer the time.

This weeks update is of the lovely village of Combe Hay and the last page of the new Bruges pictures have been made active.

Finally, I would like to leave you with some advice given to the British public back in 1939. With another war looming and economic oppression ahead, the Ministry of Information decided a morale boosting message needed to be put out to ensure the British stiff upper lip was kept, er, stiff. Their message was to...

...'Keep calm and carry on'.

Fantastic stuff. Just as apt today I think. This website thinks so too.

Till next week. (Photos below).

Thursday 18th September - Man-Flu

2008-09-17T20:06:00.006+01:00

This weeks blog is a great task for me as I am in the strong clutches of Man-Flu.

It's often hard to convince the female of the species just how severe this strain of the flu virus actually is! I'm often reminded of the struggle M.E. sufferers had in convincing practitioners and work colleagues that their ailment is real and not imagined. Man-Flu renders the victim helpless and unable to help themselves, constant attention is required to ensure they are kept well hydrated. An ancient mixture of hops, barley, a special yeast and water is the preferred remedy. The attack can last days, sometimes weeks, and only a true man will endeavour to ignore the distressing symptoms, and force their limbs to operate as near as normal to be able to attend work to ensure their families don't starve.

Well, before the 'Devils Disease' got hold of me we had a good weekend attending to the garden, giving it a much needed clean up and make-over. I also found time to visit a couple of villages to add to the 3d stock. Expect photos of Dundon and Butleigh to be coming your way soon.

Providing I am well enough I shall be in England's smallest city of Wells today (Thursday) where the BBC's Antique Roadshow is making an appearance. I shall be taking a couple of hours out of work to capture some 3d's of the event. These pictures will not be featured on the 3d website, instead they will be kept until I'm ready to produce a book on the city, sometime soon I hope. Talking of books, the photographer of the Bruges in 3d book, Frank Matthys, has yet to get back to me after I posted a set of questions to him. I was hoping to be able to round off the Bruges updates with his book review. We'll have to see what happens.

This weeks update is of the pretty village of Priston and the penultimate page of the new Bruges 3ds are also available to view. One of the pictures included is not one you'd expect to find in a Bruges portfolio. I came across this science-fiction shop in one of the many back streets of the city and came face to face with one of my favourite characters, the T100 from the first Terminator film. A fantastic creation and a wonderful piece of engineering I think. There are some more pictures of Bruges below for your perusal.

Right, I'm off to find another box of tissues. More next week.

Thursday 11th September - Holwell & Bruges

2008-09-10T20:01:00.007+01:00

Hello to all,

Once again the skies are full of grey and damp and people here are getting rather fed up with it. Not only do we not get a summer but now we appear to be going straight from a dull spring right in to winter. The nights are getting darker much earlier now. It's a good job I'm an optimist.

Anyway, first of all I have some more news on the Bruges in 3d book I talked about last week. The photographer, Frank Matthys, has been in touch and has agreed to do a short feature for me to help promote the book. I've already sent my questions off and I'm hoping to have all the answers and some sample pictures back in time for next weeks blog. In the meantime you can purchase the book for €24 plus p&p but, at the moment, the ordering page on his website is only in Dutch. Has has informed me that the page will eventually be translated to English, French and German so, unless you speak Dutch, you may want to wait. His website can be found here and the order page is here. Please mention Somerset3d when you place your order.

Another website I'd like to draw your attention to is a blog by a fellow Sheptonian Stu Capon. I came about his blog via his entry in Flickr. I think his photos are excellent and really show off my home town with some fantastic images. I like his humour too so I'd like to help raise his profile a little. His blog can be found by clicking here and his Flickr entry here.

This weeks update is of the hamlet of Holwell. Many people drive through the place without realising they've gone through anything at all. This is because all that can be seen from the road are the entrances to one of the many quarries and the upper half of the Bear Inn. If you want to see where I've photographed then you are going to have to get out of the car and do a little walking. The second page of the new Bruges photographs is also featured.

Well that's all from me, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some fine weather this weekend in anticipation of visiting a boot fair.

Have a good one.

Thursday 4th September - Bruges in 3d

2008-09-03T22:53:00.011+01:00

Hello and welcome to September,

Well I'm back from my holidays and have spent most of the week catching up with the paperwork. I'm just about getting there.

I stated last week that I would let you in on a real find my wife made whilst looking around Bruges. When she handed the item to me, gift wrapped, she said that I'd be both, disappointed and pleased. This puzzled me but once I opened the package I knew what she meant. She had found and bought for me a book of 3d photos of Bruges. I was very pleased, stunned even. I've been looking to do my own book of Bruges for some time, hence why she said I'd be disappointed, but the fact that someone had beaten me to it was not a problem, as the pictures are fantastic, and there are several that I would not have been able to achieve, pictures from the air. Since my return I have contacted the photographer, Frank Matthys, to ask some questions and for a link I could paste so visitors to this site could buy the book online, as well as permission to show some of the images on this website as a taster. Alas I have yet to have a reply. So I can only provide you with this link to his website. It's not clear to me if the book can be purchased via the website but I can offer you the ISBN number if you are interested in obtaining a copy via your local bookstore. It is 978-90-8113871-0. If you can get hold of a copy I'm sure you will be as delighted as I am with mine. If any of you find it for sale online then please let me know and I'll put a link on this website for all.

So, this weeks update on the 3d site is of Dunkerton in Somerset and of some of the new 3d's I took whilst in Bruges. The Bruges page has been revamped to enable faster loading and better navigation. The new pictures start at page 5 and more pages will be added over the coming weeks.

There are also some new pictures added to my other photography website.

More next week, happy book hunting. (Pictures below of Bruges).

Thursday 28th - France

2008-08-27T17:31:00.003+01:00

Bonjour and hello,

I'm still in France so another early blog.

Since the last posting I've been to Le Touquet, Bruges and Amiens.

Le Touquet (if I've spelt it right) is a very pleasant seaside resort on the French west coast. It's very tidy with lots of things for the children to do. The perfect place for people in northern France to take their families. Indeed, it felt like they all did exactly that on the day we visited. It took an age to get from the end of the motorway to the resort itself. Although once there, it didn't appear that busy. Anyway, as it wasn't a 3d day we'll have to head back there again to record it for the website.

In Bruges we had a good stroll around and enjoyed the ambience. My wife came up with a real find, more of which I'll share with you next week, as I want to do a little research before I tell you more. If you're a 3d fan it will be worth the wait, promise.

Amiens was a very enjoyable day. The cathedral is the biggest gothic example in the country and was well worth the visit. The old part of the city was equally as interesting. Needless to say I took a fair number of photographs/3d's and they will be coming your way in the non too distant future.

The weather has been rather hit & miss since we've been here, but hey, there's nothing we can do about it so we've enjoyed ourselves regardless. In fact we've been rather lucky on our days out and we have escaped the worst.

We are heading home on Friday so normal service will be resumed as of next week.

My other photography website will be updated next week too, so make sure to pop by for a visit to check out the new additions.

I hope you have all been good whilst I've been away.

Please forgive any spelling mistakes. A French keyboard does not a good typist make!

That's all for now, more next week.

Thursday 21st August – Journey to Work 2

2008-08-13T22:24:00.006+01:00

Hello to you all,

Continuing on from the blog a couple of weeks ago, one thing that I have been made much more aware of is the varied wildlife that surrounds me.

There is rarely a day where I don’t see a buzzard flying by, or a squirrel scampering off to the nearest tree. In the fields next to our house rabbits are a constant sight, as indeed are deer and foxes. I’ve spent many an evening trying to get as close as possible to photograph the animals as they show themselves at dusk. Unfortunately the lenses I have at my disposal do not enable me to get close enough for decent photographs to be taken.

Last week, when cycling to work, I had a special treat.

From my house I have to go up a lane before coming to a junction that joins on to the old main road to Frome (Called Brottens road). After turning into the road and travelling about 20 metres I was aware of a large bird sitting on the fence to the right, just ahead of me. As I got closer I could see that it was an Owl of some sort. I expected it to fly away but it just sat on the fence and carefully watched me as I peddled past. It was a good sized specimen. At a guess I would say he was about 60cm height at least, maybe bigger. I passed within about 2 metres of it and found it fascinating to be able to see one so close without it being in captivity. Once I got to work I spoke to my boss, who is a keen bird watcher, and after giving him a description he was able to tell me that it would have been a young Tawny Owl. Apparently it’s quite a normal thing for them to sit on fences. An older Owl would have flown off. The picture shown is not one of mine but was found in Flickr and belongs to a set by Joanpix.

My knowledge of wildlife is rather limited but seeing these wonderful creatures on a regular basis really encourages me to want to know more.

My biggest problem is that I have too many other interests and so find it difficult to spend as much time as I’d wish on learning something new.

This week's update is the village of Hemington.

I'm on location in France at the moment, hence the early updqte, so next week's blog will have news on where I've been and what photographs you have to look forward to viewing to on my return.

Thanks for reading, more coming your way next week.

Thursday 14th August - Combe Hay

2008-08-13T20:01:00.005+01:00

Good morning,

Last weekend was a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise, but I managed to get out and about on Sunday to capture some more Somerset villages for the 3d site.

The initial plan was to visit Peasdown St John and then to explore the area around the town. Peasdown is a place mostly filled with housing estates, so it was a bit of a challenge to find subjects that I felt would be interesting to the viewer. So challenging in fact that I'm going to have to go back for another search to ensure I have enough pictures to post.

After Peasdown I then ventured off to a nearby village called Carlingcott, then on to Withyditch, followed by Dunkerton, Combe Hay, Southstoke and, finally, Priston.

All the locations had their individual appeal and, in each case, I had never been to any of them before.

At Combe Hay you will find a Cotswolds stone marker at the entrance to the village. Many will be surprised to find such a marker in Somerset as, to most people, the Cotswolds are in Gloucestershire. Well, that's partly true. The Cotswolds lie mainly within Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire but also extend into four more counties, in the form of Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and good old Somerset(shire). Not many people know that.

The photo-shoot at Combe Hay was in two parts as I was rudely interrupted mid-way through by a violent storm. I had to take refuge in a nearby pub and console myself with a cheese sandwich and a glass of fizzy carbonated pop (No product placement here!).

The second half of the shoot ended with me witnessing the many attempts 3 stables girls took to convince their nervous horse that it was ok to get into the trailer (Photos below).

The 3d's will be coming your way soon. This week's update is of Chard.

More from me next week, have a good one.

Thursday 7th August - Journey to work

2008-08-06T22:53:00.010+01:00

Hello and welcome to August.

As predicted last week there were no trips out due to the weather, so I've included in this weeks blog some photographs I took a month or so ago.

As many of you will know I walk or cycle to work most days, and during my journey I see plenty of the countryside around me. A while ago I thought it would be a good idea, and interesting, to record my journey to work photographically.

I actually found the project a lot more interesting than I first thought I would. I always thought that, living in the countryside already, I was well aware of my surroundings and already appreciated how lucky I was. However, by making an effort to record an event with photographs, I found I really took a lot more notice of what was around me and, as a consequence, appreciated so much more, not just how lucky I was, but how brilliant it was that I had all this right on my doorstep.

Indeed, the experience has prompted me to take the project further. My next plan is to video my journey so I can create a sort of travelogue that covers the 4 and a bit miles of Somerset that I see most days of the week. When I'll actually do this has not been determined as yet. There are some plans to be made, kit to be invented/purchased and time to be found before I can put the idea into practise.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy some of the pictures of my journey below. If you click on them they will open up to 1024 x 768 wallpaper size.

So, what is your trip to work like? How about recording your journey. Are you really aware of what's around you? Is this the beginnings of another website?!

This week's update on the 3d site is of Nempnett Thrubwell and Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. I have also uploaded some new photographs onto my other photography website so please take time to visit and drop me a line to tell me what you think.

That's all for now, more next week (Don't forget the pictures below).

Thursday 31st July - Weston-super-Mare

2008-07-30T23:48:00.007+01:00

Hellooooo,

The Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare was burned to the ground (well, burned to the footboards) this week. A tragic event for the town and for all the many tourists who visit the seaside resort for their holidays. The tide is often out in Weston, and when it's in you still have to walk a distance to go deep enough for a swim, so the Pier was used by many for their entertainment throughout their stay. Sadly it is no more, it is gone, it is a late Pier. Because of the events I thought (well, it was my secretary's idea actually. I must give her a raise) it would be apt to update the Weston-super-Mare page on the 3d website to include all the pictures I could find of the structure. So this week's update includes the said page. The photos were taken on a bright sunny day in April 2006.

Last Sunday my secretary and I visited Ilfracombe in Devon. A super place to visit and get sunburnt (which the secretary duly did. Not me though, I did mine the day before when cleaning the car) and a lovely place to while away the time. Afterwards we popped to Woolacombe before heading home. I've included some of the photos I took in this weeks blog (see below for a panorama of Ilfracombe and the end of this blog for more).

Apart from Weston-super-Mare this week's update also includes Staple Fitzpaine and Cowes in the Isle of Wight.

I intend to change some of the photos on my normal photography website over the weekend, so pop by for a look sometime soon.

The normal summer weather has returned, so probably no 3ding this weekend. Whatever.

Hope yours is a good one. More next week.

Thursday 24th July - Buckland St Mary

2008-07-23T22:47:00.004+01:00

Hello to you all,

Last weekend my Secretary and I ventured off into the Somerset countryside to record some more villages for the 3d website.

We started in Buckland St Mary and had a good look around the village before entering the church after the morning service had ended. The interior is fantastic. One unusual feature was a ‘split grave’. This was of mother and son who both died within a short time of the baby’s birth. It is one of only three in the country, I was informed by a local parishioner, and is a quite stunning piece of work.

We then ventured off to Chard for a bite to eat and to have a look around, followed by Combe St Nicholas and South Petherton on the way home.

I always take in more of where I am when the Secretary joins me. The walks around the villages are more leisurely and she also makes sure I don’t miss anything. On my own I tend to rush around each location, trying to get to as many places as I can to make sure I get as much out of the day as is possible. The first approach is by far the better one. Unfortunately, when the weather is poor for long periods I need to follow the latter method to ensure I have enough stock to last until the next fine weekend appears.

This week’s update is of Lullington and the second page for Bembridge on the Isle of Wight has also been added.

More next week. Have a good one.

Thursday 17th July - Pixie the Cat

2008-07-16T23:32:00.012+01:00

Good day to you all.

This posting is an early one, as I'd like to record the sad passing of my dear friend Pixie the Cat.

Pixie had had sickness problems for a number of weeks, but a previous vet visit suggested that there was nothing to worry about.

Then his sickness suddenly became more frequent, and a change in his normal happy active personality was very noticeable. This culminated in my wife and I staying up all night Friday trying to help him and eventually taking him to the vet at 1.00am in the morning. After a check over, in which nothing was found, the vet gave him a couple of injections to help ease his nausea and an antibiotic and made an appointment to see him again that same morning at 10.10.
The appointment came, more checks were made, nothing was found, injections were given and tablets were issued and another appointment was made for the following Monday morning at 9.10am.

He stayed with us all Saturday night, but we could tell that he wasn’t comfortable.

The next morning there was no sign of him and, fearing the worst, we both spent the whole day looking for him in the hedges, the fields, the sheds, everywhere we could think of, but no joy. Eventually, in the late afternoon, one of us had to pick up The Little One, after the day with her father, and to break the news to her that Pixie was still unwell and was missing. She reacted very bravely and, once she returned, we all set off up and down the lane to place posters of our missing cat on lampposts and to ask neighbours to look out for him.

All done we returned home and, within minutes, there was Pixie. He looked OK but again he wasn’t his normal happy self and he looked a bit out of sorts and unsure of himself. We were careful not to over fuss him, as we didn’t want him to run off again, and let him go where he wanted to go. After a short while he had settled on the bed my wife and I share. We gave him the attention he deserved and then gave him some peace to give him a chance to recover. Later, when we went to bed, he was still in the same spot. Unusually for him he stayed with us for the whole night.

The next day my wife my wife took him to the vet for his appointment and this time they discovered some discomfort in him and decided on a blood test. Without going into details the test results were not too good and it was suggested that he stayed at the vets overnight where they would treat him and do another test in the morning. Although Pixie was more lively the results of the tests were much the same so more treatment was suggested and another overnight stay agreed.

Wednesday (yesterday) morning arrived and a call from the vets on his progress told us that the treatment hadn’t really shown much in the way of progress and another test was arranged for later that morning. Then the call came to say that an exploratory operation was recommended to find the exact cause of the problem so they could decide what course of action was needed to help him. After some deliberation we gave the vet the go-ahead.

It wasn’t long before the vet was in touch again to inform us that Pixie has severe swelling in his liver and a swollen pancreas and that there was nothing they could do for him. Pixie never woke up from his operation. We took him home and created a grave for him. Telling The Little One the sad news was horrible. Understandably she was very distraught. Eventually, after having time to get ourselves together and say our good-byes, we put him to rest.

Some of you reading this may say that he was only a cat. Well I say (we say) that he was more than that to us. For me he was there for me when my first marriage came to an end. He was a good listener and very enjoyable company to be around. He would follow you around the house, watching what you were doing. He was good company and enjoyed the comfort of a lap, often. He had a good character about him too. He knew when to look cute, which he did often, and he was clever. As he kept bringing in mice we fixed the cat-flap so he could go out but not come in, unless we let him in. Or so we thought. He found a way of grabbing hold of the door with his claw and opening it from the outside so that he could get in. He stopped bringing the mice in though. When my wife and her daughter moved in with me he took to them very easily, and they to him. My wife works from home and found him to be excellent company throughout the day and I know she will miss him terribly. We all will..

My mother summed it up for me when she expressed her sympathies and said, “You won’t find another one like him”. She is right. He was unique. There really isn’t a way to explain how, but we don’t have to, as we know how special he was, and still is.

Our thanks go out to the Shepton Veterinary Group for their help with Pixie, we know you did all you could.

We love you Pixie, we will miss you but we won’t forget you. xxx

Thursday 10th July - Website now live!

2008-07-10T09:15:00.007+01:00

Hello to you all,

Lots to say this week so let’s get on with it.

First let’s start with the exciting news (exciting to me anyway) of the launch of my Photography website. I’ve been working on this for some time now and it’s great to see it come to life at last. The photographs are of the 2d kind and all photos shown can be purchased as a 6x4 or 10x8 print. Other sizes may be available but best to check first by using the contact form on the website. I will be changing the pictures on the site on a regular basis so please check often for new photos and features. You can visit the site by clicking here. I’ll be interested in your feedback so please use the contact form and tell me your views.

On the 3d site the ‘Speakin Zummerzet’ feature is taking a rest for the time being as I need to give the new website some time and, as regular readers will know, time is one of those things that I don’t have enough of. This week I feature Adge Cutler. I was lucky enough to see him live at a village fete some years ago. I can remember very clearly everyone, and I mean everyone, laughing along with his songs and humour. For those of you who have yet to visit the West County, listening to a recording of him is a good way of hearing and understanding the way we speak.

This weeks village update is of Wellow and also Culver Cliff in the Isle of Wight continues the 6 week special. I visited Wellow many times in the past to play in a Sunday football league. Had great times in the local pub after the match but never had a look around the village until now. It's a lovely place and well worth a visit.

A big thank you to Ray in Washington, England for his help recently. Ray contacted me to say nice things about the 3d site and also to advise me that the Woolly Anaglyph link was broken. I fixed it Tuesday night and asked Ray to test it for me, which he duly did and all now okay. Ray also sent me some of his 3d pictures that he’d taken. They are very good. It's always interesting to see what other 3d'ers are up to. Ray is a recent convert to the 3d scene and is now hooked on the technique. I know how he feels. Thanks again Ray and my apologies to anyone out there who had problems trying to download the Woolly Anaglyph software recently. Hopefully all now fixed.

Well that’s it for today. No mention of the weather for once (oops!! It rained in case you were wondering), I hope you all have a fine weekend.

Before I go I'd like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful wife. She's 15 years older than she looks today, congratulations hun. See you later. xx

More next week.

Thursday 3rd July - New Site

2008-07-03T08:48:00.005+01:00

Good morning and welcome to July,

I've had a good week this week building a new website for my photographs, the 2d kind. I'm using Clikpic as a host as I just don't have the time or skills to be able to build the site myself. With a bit of luck and a following wind the site should be live by this time next week. I'll let you know.

The news on the pictures sold to magazines after the Cranmore Quarry Gala weekend is....well, no news actually. I haven't sold a picture, not a single one, not a sausage. But don't worry dear readers, all is not lost. There are many good reasons as to why my pictures didn't sell. One is that the event was visited by around 5000 people, and at least 4000 of them had a camera, so there is lots of competition. Another is that I had to wait until the Wednesday after the event to obtain permission from Mendip Rail (Who I took the pictures for) to be able to submit any of them. The 4000 that had cameras would have sent theirs Sunday night. Out of the 4000 there are probably at least 1000 regular contributors to magazines, this was my first submission. Understandably an editor, when inundated with pictures from the same event, would more than likely look for his regulars to save time. So I'm not too concerned about not getting any pictures selected. I have learnt from it though.

This week's update is of Laverton, and the town of Sandown starts the Isle of Wight special.

Right, time to get on with some work.

Hey, look, a blue sky. Summer is here. Hurrah. No, wait. It's a break in the clouds. Carry on.

(with apologies to Blogger).

Thursday26th June - Crowded House

2008-06-26T08:04:00.002+01:00

Good morning to you all,

The weekend was a busy one what with the Cranmore 150 event and a trip to Westonbirt Arboretum to watch Crowded House in the middle of it all.

The weather held off throughout, just. We had an occasional threat of a shower but, luckily, the odd patch of drizzle was all that happened.

The Cranmore 150 event went really well with around 5,000 visitors to the Merehead Rail Sidings to look at a multitude of trains, including the steam trains Kinlet Hall and the Black Prince. Wildlife artist and steam train enthusiast David Shepherd was there on the Sunday, riding the footplate on the Black Prince. I did take some 3d's of the event so look out for them in the coming weeks. As for my photos in the Railway magazines, well I have sent some off but no news as yet.

Crowded House were fantastic. I got into their music whilst back-packing around Canada in 1991. Unfortunately, by the time I got around to saving up for a ticket to see them live the band broke up. Since then I'd been following lead singer Neil Finn's solo career, along with his Finn Brothers output, and seeing him live instead. When I met my future wife I introduced her to the Crowded House and Finn sound, and she liked it, so we'd go off to the concerts together. I ended up proposing to my wife at a Finn Brothers concert at the Royal Albert Hall a few years ago. So it was a real treat for both of us to see the band back together again.

I made an appearance in my local newspaper last week. Last Thursday's Shepton Mallet Journal featured a small article about the 3d website, it also included a photograph of me. Click here if you'd like a look. Unfortunately the photographers report was altered before it went to press and some of the information is incorrect, but overall I was happy to get some publicity for the site.

This weeks update is of Hatch Beauchamp along with the third and final instalment for St Omer. Next week will see the start of a six week special on the Isle of Wight.

That's all for now folks. Have a good weekend wherever you are.

Thursday 19th June - East Somerset Railway

2008-06-19T08:48:00.004+01:00

Good morning,

It's been a busy week here at Mendip Rail (MRL). We are co-organising a Quarry/Railway event for the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore to help them celebrate the 150th anniversary of their branch line being open. The celebrations start in earnest this Saturday and continue on Sunday. So, plenty of cleaning wagons, cutting hedges, checking track, printing passes and lots of other minor but important tasks to be completed so that everything is ready in time. Some of the MRL staff are enjoying it, some are getting stressed. Me?, well I've been designated the official photographer for MRL for the event, so I get to go out and snap away as soon as another steam loco or traction engine arrives. I'm enjoying myself. I've been in touch with a few railway magazines with a view to getting some of the pictures published. I'll let you know how I get on.

This week's update on the Somerset3d site is of Coxley. A small village just outside of Wells on the Glastonbury road. I have also activated the second page for St Omer in France.

On this week's Speakin Zummerzet I mentioned an old school chum of mine, Archie. Well here's the evidence as promised. Click here, and here, here and here.

That's it for now, another steam loco has just arrived, I'm off to get some photos. Have a good weekend.

12th June - Hay Fever

2008-06-12T08:11:00.005+01:00

Good day to you all,

Let me start by apologising for the down time of the Somerset3d website yesterday. As I mentioned on last weeks update I would be doing some housework on the site. My web space quota was getting pretty full and, upon investigation, I realised it was because of duplicated files on the host server. I tried deleting the duplicates but it proved ineffective. So I decided to delete the whole site and upload it all again from scratch. Thankfully the plan worked and my web space quota is almost twice as much as it was previously, so a couple more years yet before I will need to upgrade to the next package. I have checked the site over as best I can and it all seems to be working, but if any of you discover any broken links please leave a comment or send me an email via the main site, thank you.

I've had the last couple of days off with hay fever. I thought I had gotten away with it this year, as I usually get it sometime in May. Unfortunately I was wrong and it hit me with vengeance. I also had a reaction to the tablets I took. Apart from doing nothing to help the hay fever they also made me feel extremely drowsy, despite them being the non drowsy type. Never mind, others put up with far much worse.

This weeks update is of Stoke sub Hamdon and St Omer. Stoke is a smashing place to visit. The walk to the recreation area is well worth the 15 minutes and the views are fantastic. St Omer was visited the last time we were in France, April of this year, and the magnificent cathedral is a must visit if you are in the area.

Last weekend the secretary and I visited London. Whilst my better half was spending the day catching up with her friends I wandered around the metropolis taking photos. I tried uploading some for you to view this morning, but for some reason they didn't want to upload. I'll try again later.

Right, time to get ready for work. More next week.

5th June - Favourite Village.

2008-06-05T08:55:00.004+01:00

Good morning to you all and welcome to June,

The Isle of Wight holiday turned out OK in the end. We had good periods of sunshine and I managed to visit Bembridge and Cowes for the website. So look out for them being featured soon.

It's getting warmer here. It's quite noticeable as, despite the heavy rainfall we have from time to time, the puddles are drying up. My walk/cycle route to work involves back lanes and bridle paths, which are not in the best condition in places so water has plenty of places to collect. Now though there are causeways splitting up the large puddles, enabling me a dry route at last.

Last night I met the local newspaper photographer for a bit of a photo shoot. Earlier in the day I'd shown him around the rail sidings and quarry where I work as he was asked to help promote an event we are planning to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the local branch line. I've known the guy since my school days and we got talking about photography and my 3d website came into the conversation. After a bit of explaining he became more interested and offered to do a feature on it for the newspapers he works for. So we agreed to meet at my local church (in Doulting) to get some pictures done and to provide him with some information. One of the questions he asked me was what was my favourite village? I found this hard to answer. I can relate it to a musician being asked what his favourite track off the latest album is. The answer I came up with was it was always the last one I visited. Which in this case is this weeks update, Hinton Charterhouse. The photos featured are of the area called 'The Green' and is not in the middle of the village, so be prepared for a 10 minute walk if you visit the place. It's well worth it.

I'll let you know when the article is going to be featured.

That's all from me. I'm off to London this weekend to add to my 3d's of the capital.

Have a good one.

Thursday 29th May 2008

2008-05-29T08:34:00.006+01:00

Hello there,

So, Rain. Do you think we've had enough now? I know it's good for keeping the dust down, and for the garden, and for the water supplies, but really, do you think we've had enough yet?

This week I'm on holiday with my family on the Isle of Wight. I'm staying at my Sister-in-law's in Niton with her wonderful family. Now the forecast for today, the last time I looked, was for more rain, hence the opening statement. However, a look out of the window will reveal bright sunshine and, dare I say it, clear blue sky! So it looks hopeful for a photography day today.

We photographers rely on the weather forecast to be able to plan our missions, to ensure we are dressed for the elements and to make an effort to head towards the sunshine. The problem is we can't rely on the forecasts any more can we? They seem to change by the hour. I'm sure it wasn't always like this. I can remember when the forecast for the week was what we got and if the weather man/lady said it would be nice, it would be nice. They always got it right (apart from Mr Fish). Today I'd be just as well off checking some seaweed in the morning or checking where the cows are before going to bed.

This weeks update, Ashill, doesn't look much when you first arrive at the place. It will take a bit of exploring to find the interesting bits but they are well worth it and you can finish off your visit by taking home a gurt big flagon of the local apple juice.

Right, I'm off to make the most of what weather is out there before it changes. I'll let you know how I got on next week.

Have a good weekend.

Thursday 22nd May 2008

2008-05-22T09:19:00.002+01:00

Good morning to you all,

Boy am I tired. In fact the whole family is tired. For different reasons it hasn't been a good week when it comes to sleeping. Hopefully we'll all be able to catch up over the long weekend coming up.

The weather continues to be good but I understand that wet weather is returning just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend! Pah!

Next Tuesday we are off to the Isle of Wight to visit The Cousins. So expect yet more 3d's of the island on the website soon.

This weeks update is of Wincanton. The town has an industrial feel about it and, at first glimpse, doesn't appear that interesting. However, if you make an effort to have a walk around there are plenty of places of interest. The last page of the Gent feature has been posted too. As I said on an earlier post it's very much like a Brugges Lite but it is a place worthy of a visit. I'm sure I'll return there again, soon.

Right, I'm off to catch up with work before I fall asleep.

More next week.

Thursday 15th May 2008

2008-05-15T10:46:00.004+01:00

Good morning to you all and it's a late blog from me today.

I've been starting early all week and it's beginning to catch up with me, concentration levels are being affected.

Anyway, yesterday after work I visited Hemmington, Hardington, Lullington and Laverton (Try saying that after a few beers). All very nice places, except I couldn't really find much in Hardington. Maybe I took a wrong turning (probably) or maybe all the buildings are camouflaged (unlikely) but either way I couldn't find the Manor House or the church of St Mary's, nothing really but farms. It looks like I'm going to have to try again with this one.

This weeks update is Woolverton which is in the same area as the villages I visited yesterday. Not a large village by any means but pleasant nonetheless. There is also the third installment of the Gent feature to enjoy. There will be a feature on St Omer in France in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to find out more.

That's it for me today. Late and short and sweet (a bit like me really).

See you next week, have a good one.

Thursday 8th May 2008

2008-05-08T07:59:00.004+01:00

Hello to you all,

We’ve had some beautiful weather in Somerset over the last five days, so I was able to take advantage of it last Saturday and venture out to obtain some more stock for the Somerset3d website.

I decided to head to the south of the county and explore some villages between Yeovil and Taunton. I ended up visiting Stoke sub Hamdon, Seavington St Michael, Ashill, Hatch Beauchamp, Staple Fitzpaine and Creech St Michael. It was whilst I was wandering around the last village that my First Aid skills were called into action.

I had just reached a small bridge that straddled the Taunton to Bridgewater canal when a breathless youngster appeared asking if I had a mobile phone and, if so, could he borrow it as his friend had hurt his foot when running through a field just the other side of the canal. I lent him the phone and waited whilst he called his mother to report in. Once he’d finished I offered to help get his friend to the bridge. We carried him from the field and got him to the bridge. He said his foot really hurt, especially when he tried to get his shoe off. I suggested to leave the shoe on and asked him to lay on the floor. I then suggested that the injured foot ought to be raised and asked his mate to rest the injured limb on his knee. Upon inspection I could see where a piece of cane had pierced his shoe and gone on into his foot. I suggested that he should be taken to the local hospital so that they can remove it without causing further damage and to also check the wound for any contamination, as you never know what may have been sprayed in the field. They promised to stay where they were and wait for the parents to arrive. I said that I would be wandering up the canal and back taking photos and would check on them if they were still there when I returned. Well, about 10 minutes later I was heading back to the bridge and I noticed that the boys had now gone. I assumed they were with their parents. But I assumed wrong. For they were now near a road bridge that went over the canal and the injured one had since taken his shoe off and removed the obstacle that had penetrated his foot. He proudly showed me the two inch long spear, covered in blood, and then tossed it into the undergrowth. I suggested he ought to have kept it to show the hospital staff exactly what caused the injury but we couldn’t find it. I asked them to stay put to wait for their parents and offered my mobile again so that they could tell them where they had moved to.

Now, all of the above could have been so much easier if these boys had some knowledge of First Aid. The shoe would have been left on and the boys would have stayed put, with the injured limb raised. When I worked full time in the leisure industry I was constantly campaigning for the schools to have one games/sports lesson a month in the classroom, to explain more on why health related fitness is important and to cover basic first aid. It still doesn’t happen but I still feel that all children would benefit more from learning about why keeping fit is important and the basics of First Aid rather than learning something 90% of them will never use again, e.g. long division.

How about you, what do you think? Are you trained in First Aid? Do your children have any First Aid knowledge?

More next week.

Thursday 1st May 2008

2008-05-01T09:03:00.003+01:00

Good day everyone and welcome to May,

This week's update is of Curry Mallet and I've also added the first of a four page feature on Gent in Belgium.

As you regular readers will know my secretary and I visited Gent a couple of weeks ago whilst on holiday. We both liked the place and found many areas that reminded us of Bruges, only that Bruges has more of it. It being the architecture. I suppose you could say that Gent is a watered down version of Bruges, but that would be unfair on Gent. The city has it's own character and feel. I would definitely recommend a visit. We are back in France in August for two weeks and plan to visit Gent again.

My Stereo camera arrived in the post yesterday. The next step is to pop down to my cousins' camera shop to see if they can help with getting it serviced for me. I'm also hoping that the friendly Kodak rep will be able to assist with a copy of a manual for it. If any of you out there know of how to get hold of one I'd be extremely grateful for the information.

Well, that's it for now. Work beckons.

More next week.

Thursday 24th April 2008

2008-04-24T09:23:00.003+01:00

Good morning to you all,

After the lovely two week break it's now back to the paper mountain at work. I'm plodding through it slowly.

This week's update is of Cucklington. This is a lovely village. It was so peaceful when we walked around it that we both thought that we could easily live here. Whether the Little One would have liked it there is another matter. Anyway, I would recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Over the last month or so I've been increasing my interest in Victorian Stereo views. I've added to my small but growing collection of photographs and yesterday bought myself a Kodak Stereo camera. The next step will be searching the Internet for tips and instructions on how to get the best from it. I'm hoping I can convert some of the Stereo views into anaglyphs and put them on the main site. We'll see how that goes.

There's plenty for me to do over the coming weeks with creating the anaglyphs from the holiday and getting the book project back on track again.

If the weather is good we'll be off sometime over the weekend to get some more Somerset villages to add to the stock.

Right, time for me to get on with the day.

Until next week.

Thursday 17th April 2008

2008-04-17T10:58:00.002+01:00

Hello from France again,

We returned from Disneyland Paris last night, too late to be able to do this week's update, so a late update it is.

The little one was thrilled to be there again and whizzed around the place like she was on skates. My secretary and I did all we could to keep up with her. I didn't take any 3d's this time. I thought I ought to give the time to my family this time.

Since the last blog we visited St Omer (where I lit a candle for my friend Charlie Barnet whose funeral took place last Thursday), Gent and La Coupole. My pronounciation of the latter nearly causing an international incident once we'd returned to base. In the best French I could muster I stated that we had visited St Omer and La Coupole, only I pronounced it La Ka-Poole. Cue much hilarity in my direction. Not really knowing what they were laughing at I tried again only to meet the same response. It was then that an elder stateswoman of the group took pity on me and helped me with the correct pronounciation, La Ku-Pole. Apparently, until I said it right, I was saying the word for Fringe which is used in the French speaking part of Belgium. Still, not one to dwell on the negative, I now am able to make myself much clearer to French speaking Belgian hairdressers.

This week's update is of Uphill. This village is close to Weston-Super-Mare. So close in fact that it is quite difficult to see the join. A pleasant place though.

Thanks to Dane for getting in touch last week after spotting an error. I'll sort it once I get back home. It's always good to receive feedback of any kind, so don't be shy.

Right, that's it for now. More next week.

Have a good weekend.

Thursday 10th April 2008

2008-04-09T17:29:00.004+01:00

Bonjour de la France,

Yes I know it's Wednesday but we're off to St Omer tomorrow and it's going to be easier to update now rather than spend time searching for an internet café tomorrow. I'd much rather have an early update than a late one.

Before I go any further please forgive any errors as a French keyboard layout is different to an English one and I only have 40 minutes left to type this. My two typing fingers are currently a blur but the key I'm using most is the delete key!

Anyway, it's great to be away from work for enjoyable reasons rather than a virus.

This week's update is of Burrington. Another typical looking Somerset village. We couldn't enter the church whilst we were there as they were having their Easter service, so I'll have to visit there again to capture the interior.

I've already been out and taken some 3d's of Blériot to add to the existing collection. As I said at the top we're visiting St Omer tomorrow, maybe Gent on Friday and possibly Bruges on Saturday. We've had all the types of weather since we've arrived. Bright sunshine, heavy rain, sleet & snow and high winds. Today has been a glorious day with wall to wall sunshine.

The 3d book is taking shape. I have completed the first draft and now need to visit a few printers to get an idea of the printing costs. After that the task will be to contact local companies to search for possible sponsors. So plenty to be getting on with.

That's all for now.

A la semaine prochaine!

Thursday 3rd April 2008

2008-04-03T09:01:00.003+01:00

Good morning to you all and welcome to April.

Boy has this been a busy week. I tell you, taking time off work when you’re ill doesn’t pay. It’s taken me until late yesterday afternoon to catch up with my workload. I think next time I’m unwell I’ll just dose myself up with chemicals (the legal kind) and plod on with it the best I can.

The weather here is improving greatly. We’ve had some really warm days of late with blue skies and light winds. I’ve been able to get back into my training by walking to and from work most days this week. It’s an enjoyable way to wake up or wind down from a stressful day at the office.

This week's update is of Isle Abbotts. A lovely village to walk around and, in my opinion, a good example of a typical Somerset village.

We’re off to France on Saturday so the updates and blogs, for the next two weeks, may be a tad later than normal. I need to go to the local internet café to do my thing and France is also another hour ahead of England, so it all adds up. We’re staying at Bleriot-Plage with my in-laws and during the second week we’re taking the little one to Disneyland Paris for a few days. She doesn’t know yet so keep things to yourselves please. We also hope to visit Ghent in Belgium and, hopefully, more towns and villages in northern France. So plenty to look forward to for me and some more 3d’s to look forward to for you.

A holiday used to be a luxury, however, in today's world, it has become a necessity. Anon

Thursday 27th March - Charlie Barnett

2008-03-27T07:14:00.005Z

Hello to you all.

Although still not 100% I am now well enough to be back at work. The downside to being off work is coming back to see a mountain of paperwork awaiting me. By the time I get through it all and catch up I’ll be off for another two weeks booked holiday and then I’ll come back to another paper mountain to climb.

During the Easter weekend my secretary and I visited some more Somerset villages. This week’s update, Milborne Port, was one, along with Burrington, Cluckington, Horsington, Wincanton and the fantastically named Nempnett Thrubwell. You will see the results in due course.

Sad news this week in the passing of a dear friend, Charlie Barnett.

Charlie was a character. One of a kind. A bit eccentric sometimes but always friendly and would always have time for a chat and a drink. Unfortunately his lifestyle got the better of him. After being admitted to hospital for tests he never came home.

You were a good friend Charlie B. We will miss you.

Charlie Barnett 1960 - 2008

Thursday 20th March 2008

2008-03-20T09:05:00.002Z

Hello again.

Another Thursday, another week off work. I do feel better than last week though. It’s been some time since I’ve had two weeks off sick. In fact, if my memory serves me, I think the last time was back in 1980 after the famous football/brick/nose incident. I stress to add that the whole thing was a complete accident with a large element of misfortune on my part. Still, at least it’s a better story than a virus.

Anyway, regular visitors to the Somerset3d website will (hopefully) have noticed a few changes to its look. As I’ve had some time to spare (you can only watch so much TV you know) I thought it was time to do a bit of spring-cleaning around the site. I haven’t done too much, just tidied things up a little. The navigation bar has been improved and the ‘Speakin Zumerzet’ feature now has it’s own page. This will make it easier to check how popular the feature is to help decide whether to continue it in the future.

This week’s update is Bleadon and I’ve added more pictures at Milton Clevedon. There’s not much at Milton Clevedon but the church is worth a visit.

There’s not much else to say, as I haven’t been anywhere to do anything. So I’ll bid you farewell for now as I must head to the kitchen for another lemon based medicinal hot drink (no product placements here you know).

Sickness comes on horseback but departs on foot. Dutch Proverb.

Thursday 13th March 2008

2008-03-13T16:54:00.000Z

Good day to you all.

Today's blog is being written, whilst heavily sedated, from my sick bed, hence the late posting. My 7 year old stepdaughter very kindly shared her virus with me at the weekend, and I've been off of work ever since. It's not the best of ways to spend a birthday is it? Yes, I'm yet another year older today. I now have 46 good years under my belt and now for number 47. Unfortunately my waist measurement is beginning to catch up with my age. I don't like the idea that the journey around my waist is longer than the journey down my inside leg. As soon as this virus clears it's back to the exercise regime.

As for the photography, well the virus has taken care of any trips out. Having said that, the weather here has hardly been photography weather. Extremely high winds combining with hailstones and rain means my camera stays in the bag.

So a short blog from me today. Too much computer work just amplifies my headache.

Just a quick mention that Loxton is this week’s update on the main site.

As far as my birthday is concerned, I’m going to do my best to ignore my virus and enjoy it the best I can.

I have no fear of getting old. After all, it’s much better than the alternative.

Thursday 6th March 2008

2008-03-06T09:04:00.004Z

Good morning to you all,

This week’s update is of Curry Rivel. We visited the village last Saturday and also ventured on to Curry Mallet and Isle Abbotts.

I’ve lived in a quiet market town for most of my life, and since late 1996 in a cottage out in the country. One thing I enjoy about the country life is the friendliness people show for one another and also the trust they can give to total strangers. This was highlighted very clearly on Saturday whilst in Curry Rivel. We hadn’t been out of the car long and only just started taking photos when a voice called out to us. Initially I thought it was the owner of the cottage I was taking a photo of, unhappy that some non-villager was outside her house taking pictures. But no, all the lady wanted was some help in putting up some curtains. Of course we obliged, and the Lady, or Mrs B to give her some of her name, was more than happy to show us her fabulous house and wonderful gardens. It didn’t stop there. After wishing her well, and handing Mrs B a pair of 3d glasses, we went off to the nearby church and, after being greeted by the church cat, were made to feel very welcome by the church cleaner, ensuring we saw all the ancient artefacts on show around the building.

In some places in Somerset, and indeed in most counties, the villages are gradually being destroyed by a lack of support from the councils and the Government. At the moment there are a number of village Post Offices being threatened with closure and village pubs are closing down far too frequently. One day, I fear, the villages will be nothing more than commuter sanctuaries, where on week-days the streets are empty and at weekends everyone is busy mowing their lawns and cleaning their cars in readiness for next weeks work schedule. I hope I’m proved wrong.

My message to you is to go out there, visit these villages, support your community, and see proper village life before it’s too late.

In case you didn't spot it this week sees the start of a new feature on the Somerset3d website called ‘Speakin Zummerzet’. Basically it's a chance to understand the Somerset language so if you visit us you can make some sense of what we are saying. If you watched Hot Fuzz and had to use the subtitles then you know what I mean.

Thought for the day.

"A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory" - Steven Wright.

That's all for now. More next week. Have a good one.

Thursday 28th February 2008

2008-02-28T09:02:00.001Z

Hello All,

Another month nearly over, where does the time go?

No, seriously, where does it go?

I swear that, as soon as you look at anything on the internet, something moves the time on at more than four times normal time. It only took about five minutes (tops) to type this, yet my watch says it took me 22 minutes! Something is going on and I think it’s about time these computer companies came clean. There must be some sort of hypnotic device implanted in all computers so that, as soon as you stare at the screen it gives you the impression that you are working at normal speed, whereas the truth is that you are working in slow motion.

Anyway, this is meant to be a photography blog.

Last week I had plans to go out at the weekend photographing this wonderful county to create stock for the 3d website. The weather, unfortunately, wasn’t kind so I didn’t go anywhere. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for this weekend to try again.

This week’s update is for Compton Bishop. This village was visited when on a tour of the area that covered Axbridge, Cross, Compton Bishop, Loxton, Bleadon and Uphill. I’m finding information on Loxton, Bleadon and Uphill hard to come by, so if any of you have some information you’d like to share on any or all of these locations please get in touch. You can either leave a comment (see below) or go to the Somerset3d site and email from there. Any information would be most welcome. There is also the second instalment for Tetbury in Gloucestershire now available to view.

I need to get stuck in to my pending assignments for my Freelance Photographers Course with the BFP. I’ve had so much to do lately that I’m a tad behind with sending in my course work. Memo to self: Must do better.

"Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so". Douglas Adams.

‘Till next week.

Thursday 21st February 2008

2008-02-21T08:42:00.005Z

Good day to you all.

A day off for me today. It's half-term here for certain schools and I’m taking my step-daughter and her friend to Bristol Zoo for the day. I’m not sure if there will be any 3d’s as a result, I’ll let you know how I get on next week.

This weeks’ update is for East Woodlands. This tiny hamlet is famous locally for the excellent food available at the Horse & Groom public house. I’m unable to add my own endorsement as I’ve never been able to book a table, but many locals have told me that it is definitely worth the effort.

I’ve also placed online the first of three pages for Tetbury in the Cotswolds. Regular readers will know of my wife’s love of the area. These pictures were taken on the way to visit Bourton-on-the-Water.

This weekend should see me out and about getting some more stock for the Somerset 3d library. I’m not sure where to go at the moment but will make some plans on Friday.

The weather here has been really fresh with a good frost in the morning a beautiful blue skies, lovely cycling weather. Unfortunately 6 punctures in two days took the fun out of biking to work a little bit. I had to walk to work yesterday as I ran out of patches at work. Are hard/solid tyres still available? I’m thinking hard tyres on a full suspension bike should work out, shouldn’t it?

I hit my hand on a door frame yesterday and I think I may have broken a knuckle. I’ve broken one before and recognise the pain. Actually this knuckle is right next to the one I’d broken before. It was a while ago I did the first one and, if my memory serves me right, I don’t think there’s anything that can be done about it. No washing up for me for a while. Bah!

That’s it for this week.

May the wind up your back always be your own.

More next week.

Thursday 14th February 2008

2008-02-14T09:14:00.002Z

Hello again,

This weeks update is of Cross, a quiet hamlet just west of Axbridge. Topiary lovers will find something of interest there.

As reported on the Somerset3d website there is now a slideshow of my 3d photos on the BBC Somerset website.

On Monday of this week I emailed them asking if they would be willing to put a link to my website on their photos page. They replied with a yes and asked if they could have some photos to create a slideshow presentation. It took most of Monday evening for me and my secretary to agree on the selection of pictures and most of Tuesday to email them to BBC Somerset.

On Wednesday Rebecca from BBC Somerset phoned me and asked me about the website and myself and by the afternoon the photos & information were online for all to see.

Big thanks to Rebecca for creating the slideshow in super quick time. You can go to the relevant page on BBC Somerset by clicking here.

Happy birthday to my Mum for yesterday, looking forward to seeing all the family and friends on Saturday to celebrate my parents Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Finally, as it's Valentines Day, a quote from John Barrymore;

"Love is the delightful interval between meeting a beautiful girl and discovering that she looks like a haddock".

Have a good weekend.

Thursday 7th February 2008

2008-02-07T09:03:00.000Z

Good morning to you all,

A brisk bike in to work this morning has certainly woken me up.

I'm getting good feedback from those of you who have downloaded the WoollyAnaglyph software. Thanks for getting in touch. It's always good to hear feedback.

This weeks update is of Lovington and, as you can see from the pictures, there isn't much there. The ice cream company of the same name are based there but I could find little else about the place. So if any of you know something about the village and would like to share it please get in touch.

Things are busy here at the moment and my main office work has been complicated by my computer breaking down. So I'm having to use other members computers when they have a break, go to lunch etc. It's a pain but it gets the job done.

I'm also busy getting things organised for my parents 50th wedding anniversary later in the month (15th) so much to do and much to get on with.

Time is that quality of nature which keeps events from happening all at once. Lately it doesn't seem to be working.

Have a good weekend. More next week.

Thursday 31st January 2008

2008-01-31T09:31:00.001Z

Good morning,

So, it's the end of the month already. A wet and windy one at that.

Regular readers will know that I went to the Emirates Stadium last weekend to watch Arsenal beat Newcastle Utd 3-0 in the FA Cup. The stadium is impressive on the inside. A fantastic view of the pitch from wherever you are sat. The outside view of the stadium isn't so good though, until night time that is. During daylight hours it doesn't really look much more than grey concrete and glass, but at night the whole building comes alive. With a beautiful sunset to match the whole scene was quite magical.

Clicking on a picture will bring up a larger wallpaper sized version.
You will have to use your browsers back button to return to the blog.

This weeks update is
Pylle. Most people will only know of the bit that straddles the A37. This bit is not that photogenic in that there are few picturesque buildings and that the scenery is rather bland. However, if you make an effort to find the other half of the village you will be rewarded, as I hope the pictures show. Once again it shows how important it is to get off of the main highways to explore.

With an eye on the messy weather this weeks quote comes from Steven Wright.

"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain".

Update: As you should see on the Somerset3d site you can now download the WoollyAnaglyph Maker free of charge. This piece of software was put together for me by Phil Hand. I've known Phil since he was born (Which is a trade secret) as he lived three doors away from me at the time. He now lives in London and has been a big help to me in getting the software to do exactly what I want it to do, so all the plaudits should go to him. It is Vista friendly so go ahead and download and start making your own anaglyphs today.

More next week.

Thursday 23rd January 2008

2008-01-24T09:28:00.001Z

Hello playmates,

This weeks update is for Catcott and I have also included another update for Gloucestershire by adding Stow-on-the-Wold to the available galleries.

My wife is very keen on the Cotswolds so expect more from the area as the year progresses.

The weather here is improving at last. I'm now biking the 5 miles to work to help reduce my carbon footprint and keep me fit (and to reduce my monthly bills). I don't bike every day as yet but aim to do at least two days a week and gradually build up to at least four over the next month or so. It will depend on the weather.

This weekend I'm visiting the Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal v Newcastle Utd in the F.A. Cup. I've been a Gooner since I was 7 years old but don't get the chance to attend many matches. This will be the first one since the club moved to their new stadium. I'll take my cameras so, hopefully, there will be a 3d feature on the day sometime soon.

I'm really busy at the moment trying to get things done for my parents Golden Wedding Anniversary next month. I also need to get a move on with the next assignment on the BFP course and there's the 3d book to do too. I could do with a secretary to help me with all this. I must have a chat with my wife.

With the weekend coming up here's some good advice from Calvin (from Bill Watterson's wonderful Calvin & Hobbes).

"Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless".

More next week.

Thursday 17th January 2008

2008-01-17T09:17:00.000Z

Hello and good day from a wet and windy Somerset (again),

This week’s update includes the Cotswold Motor Museum as promised. As I said in last weeks post, definitely worth a visit. The area is taking rather a battering with the aforementioned weather of late. I have my fingers crossed that it doesn’t get any worse for them.

I start my BFP (Bureau of Freelance Photographers) course in earnest now, having submitted my first assignment before Christmas. I was pleased with the tutor’s response and now need to complete assignment 2, Understanding Magazines.

I know freelance photography is rather a saturated market but, as I’m going to take photos anyway, I might as well see if I can find a market for them too.

I’ll keep you informed of my progress.

I now have a small but growing portfolio on the Online Photographers website which you can go to by clicking here.

I would be interested in your views.

Before Christmas my Great uncle Roy passed away aged 95. Roy had a good sense of humour - when congratulated on his youthful appearance at 92; he replied "I never had anything to do with fast women or slow horses"

Good advice for all of us I think.

See you all next week.

Thursday 10th January 2008

2008-01-10T09:27:00.000Z

Good morning to you all,

A windy one (Weather wise) here.

This weeks update includes Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. Whilst we were there we visited the Cotswold Motor Museum and I can recommend you do the same should you visit the village. It's full of nostalgia from a bygone era. Not just motor cars but toys too. It was great fun showing my step-daughter the toys I used to have when I was her age. It's a pity I don't have them any longer as some of them would be worth a small fortune. Make sure you visit the 3d site next week for photos of the museum.

Tip for the day - Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back.

More next week.

Thursday 3rd January 2008

2008-01-03T09:23:00.000Z

Good morning and may I be the first 3d photographer from Somerset to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to you.

2007 was a busy year and I do believe that 2008 will be busier.

Back in October, during the Somerset3d 2nd anniversary celebrations, I announced that I would be doing a 3d book. Well, now I have to get myself organised and get the project started. The book will be of 3d pictures of Somerset to compliment the website. I still have to finalise what pictures will be included and also what size the book will be. I do know that the pictures will be bigger than they are on the website, possibly A3, but I don't know how many pages or whether it will be a hard back or softback publication. As you can see, plenty to be getting on with.

This weeks update on the main site is of West Quantoxhead. The pictures were taken more than two years apart. the first visit was a quick pit stop in May 2005 when returning back from Dunster. The second visit was in October of last year during a 3d day that included visits to Spaxton, Bishops Lydeard and Cothelstone.

As Oprah Winfrey once said "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right".

More next week. Bye for now. Be good.

Boxing Day 2007

2007-12-26T17:57:00.001Z

Good day to you all,

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you all behaved!

I'm on holiday on the Isle of Wight at the moment, staying with my Sister-in-Law and her family. It's a packed house but just as it should be at this time of year.

I'm hoping to be able to get some more 3d's for the Isle of Wight section but, so I've been told, the weather forecast is not good for the rest of the week. I'll have to wait and see.

My next post will be next year so I'd like to take this opporunity to wish you all a happy new year and I hope that 2008 brings you everything you wish for.

After much thought, and another Drambuie, I've decided to upload tomorrow's update now. This means I can relax and have yet another Drambuie, safe in the knowledge that I don't have to worry about having to think later on tonight, nor do I have to get up early tomorrow. Sounds good to me. Now, where's that Drambuie?

See you next year. x

Thursday 20th December 2007

2007-12-20T09:42:00.000Z

Good morning to you all,

A late morning for me. Too many late nights and early morning are beginning to catch up with me.

Regular readers will know that last weekend I visited Winchester to peruse the Christmas market. It's a lovely place to visit and, in my opinion, a better market than the one we usually attend in Bath. There was much more room to get around and to see what each stall had on show. In Bath things are so packed that you end up being taken past stalls by the flow of people around you and so miss many of the displays. Definitely worth another visit next year I think.

This weeks update includes the 3d's I took of the market and of the surrounding area and high street. I thought that, as there was a Christmas theme to the pictures that now would be the best time to put them online. I hope you enjoy them.

Many thanks to Angelina and James for making the effort to say hello. It's not often that I meet one of my website visitors so it was nice to do so and thank you for your kind comments.

It was also good to meet Linda of Merrywood Handcrafted Soaps again. Nice to hear that business is doing well.

Well, the next post will be after Christmas so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and I hope that Santa brings you all that you deserve.

See you next week.

Thursday 13th December 2007

2007-12-13T08:06:00.000Z

Hello and good morning from a frosty Somerset,

The frosty weather is a welcome replacement to the wet & windy stuff we've had recently.

I'm hoping to visit Winchester this weekend to have a look around the Christmas market, so if you're there and you see a bloke taking pictures with two cameras, that will be me.

A future special will be of London. I visited England's capital a month ago with the intention of getting suitable pictures to do a 3d book on the city. I needed blue skies and sunshine to really show it off, but instead had clouds and drizzle. I still took some pictures though and, although not suitable for the book, they will suffice for the planned special on the website.

Have a good day.

Thursday 6th December 2007

2007-12-06T09:29:00.000Z

Good morning,

And a wet and windy one it is in Somerset too. Not photography weather at all.

I was checking my website last night prior to uploading today's update and noticed that some villages don't have many pictures. Alhampton and Ashington to name two of them. These are places I visited when I was only using one camera and, as I'm sure you understand, it was dificult to take 3d's with moving subjects with one camera. So, a re-visit will need to be actioned once the weather improves. I think it's always good to go back to previous locations as they can develop so quickly and change from being a sleepy hamlet into a busy village in less than a year.

This weeks update is Stogumber. The walk up the hill to get the view of the village you see in the first two pictures was well worth it. I had to wait a few minutes to get my breath back so I could hold the camera steady though. I must get back to a regular workout schedule. Stogumber came over as a very welcoming village and a visit via a trip on the West Somerset Railway is a must for any steam enthusiast.

That's it for now. I hope the weather in your part of the world is better than we're having here.

More next week.

Thursday 29th November 2007

2007-11-29T08:56:00.000Z

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Thursday.

This weeks Somerset3d update is Blackford and, as stated on the site, I couldn't really find much about the place. This is the Blackford near Wedmore and if you know of something interesting about the place then please click on the comments link at the bottom of this article and type away.

Last weekend I visited Axbridge, Cross, Compton Bishop, Bleadon, Loxton and Uphill to add some more 3d stock. All will be featured in the non too distant future.

That's it for now, I look forward to speaking to you all again soon.

Have a good weekend.

Thursday 22nd November 2007

2007-11-22T10:06:00.000Z

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, depending on where you are in the world.

Another Thursday, another update.

This weeks update is Cothelstone and it's one of those places that you just find rather than go to. When I took the pictures I'd just finished a set at Spaxton and was on my way to Bishops Lydeard when, out of nowhere, Cothelston Manor appeared. I stopped at the Gate House (Shown in the first two pictures) where the gent who lived there explained what he knew of the history of the house. He explained that the three arched entrance to the drive used to be set across the main highway and was moved to protect it from modern traffic. He also said that 3 rebels were hung from the archway on the orders of Judge Jeffreys after the Battle of Sedgemoor but I can find no contemporary evidence of this, so did not include it on the web site notes.

It just goes to show what can be found once you make an effort to explore the countryside around you.

More next week. Have a good weekend.

Thursday 15th November 2007

2007-11-14T22:25:00.000Z

Hello again,

This weeks update, Leigh-upon-Mendip, is the home village of Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud.

Last weekend I took the opportunity of the wonderful weather we had in Somerset to visit Alford & Lovington to add to the 3d stock. The villages are on the road between Castle Cary and Lydford-on-the-Fosse.

At Alford I had a good chat with Commander Thring, who proudly discussed with me his family history as shown in the village church. His father was Rear Admiral George Thring, who died in 2001.

More to come soon. Have a good weekend.

Thursday 8th November 2007

2007-11-08T14:07:00.000Z

Hello,

Welcome to the first entry in the Alan Woollard Photography Blog.

Here I will bring you news on the latest updates on my Somerset 3D website and news on my progress as I attempt to become a freelance photographer.

The posts will be as and when there is something to say and initially will be weekly to shadow the weekly updates of the aforementioned 3d website.

I am in the proccess of creating another photography website featuring non 3d pictures from my collection. I'm hoping to get this finished and online in the next three months but I'm not making any promises at this stage. Life has become really busy of late.

This weeks update on the 3d site is of Hawkridge, and the sixth page of the Monaco special is available for viewing. Click here for more.

I look forward to your comments.