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, June 26, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thursday 19th June - East Somerset Railway
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.
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.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
12th June - Hay Fever
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.
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.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
5th June - Favourite Village.
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.
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, May 29, 2008
Thursday 29th May 2008
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.
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, May 22, 2008
Thursday 22nd May 2008
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.
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, May 15, 2008
Thursday 15th May 2008
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.
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.
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