For this summer I am arranging for a visit to Somerset Rebels Speedway.

Somerset Speedway is located at; Oak Tree Arena Bristol Road Edithmead Nr Highbridge Somerset TA9 4HA

Come and photograph a great motorsport and enjoy some Rebels hospitality. We will taken on a pre-meeting tour of the pits and track, and told about the sport, which is one of the most exciting motorsports around, with machines that can out accelerate a Formula 1 car from a standing start to 60mph. On top of that they have no brakes, and no gears, and race on an enclosed circuit, made up of loose shale, and all on a motorbike that weighs around 70kgs, and produces over 70bph, and often race just inches from the safety fence, whilst neck and neck with an opponent.

We are offered a table in the Clubhouse, exclusively for the use of our group for the evening. Our table will give us access to the VIP guest area, if you wish, and included is a Mixed Platter of food, consisting of Burgers, Chicken Strips, Mozzarella bites, Onion Rings, Corn on the Cob and chips . You don’t need to stay in the guest area, you are free to wander the public areas, and take photographs of the action (subject to some safety rules etc).

There are numerous great viewpoints around the arena all of which will provide you the opportunity to capture some stunning images. All we ask is that you consider the enjoyment of the other supporters whilst doing so.

The cost of the evening is £20 and all those wanting to go can book through Lesley, payment is required at the latest by the Annual Diner. So for your money our party will enjoy: Table(s) for the exclusive use of your party Access to the guest area Mixed Food Platter Pre-meeting tour of the Pits and Track (**subject to available time)

Please note drinks are not included, but can be purchased separately from the clubhouse bar The event is Wednesday June 24th and is subject to weather conditions and if cancelled then an alternative evening will be chosen, meet up in the car park for 5.45 p.m. as pits are open from 6.00 p.m. Stuart

From Jess at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. just wanted to let you know that we are currently holding an Art and Photography Competition with a deadline of 1st September 2020 to promote The Trafalgar Way. The Trafalgar Way is Britain’s first national historic carriage route, and it tells an epic story! It traces the 271-mile journey taken by the messenger after The Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, travelling overland from Falmouth to London in a relay of horses and carriages following the highways of the day. An individual could win up to £1,000, travel to London for a special ceremony, be part of a travelling exhibition and be awarded a whole host of other exciting prizes. If this is something you group would like to get more information on, we would be more than happy to discuss over email or telephone. We would also be more than happy to send you some leaflets for you to distribute to your club members. Hope you have a wonderful day and the weather isn’t too awful where you are! Best Wishes, Jess & The Trafalgar Way Crew

We have a change to this year's programme on 16 March. Instead of a practical evening, we have at no expense spared, Jack Lowe who will give his talk on "The Lifeboat Station Project".Jack is on a mission to photograph all RNLI stations and is here in Torbay to photograph on 17 March, so this an opportunity not to be missed, don't worry about losing the practical night, I will put on an extra one in the next year.The talk contains a mixture of anecdotes, still photos, short films and sound recordings. He drives around in 'Neena', his mobile darkroom and it will be there for you to view. Oh yes, I forgot to say that Jack is taking images the same way the Victorians did on glass plate.  He uses a process known as Wet Plate Collodion, each glass plate being unique and known as an Ambrotype.  When finished visiting all 238 stations he will have something in the order of 1000 glass plate images.Please come along, if you have guests bring them along too for just £3.  You can also look at the website www.lifeboatstationproject.com

Angie Cottis writes: Great evening on Monday with Adrian Harris and Miranda Wood, very varied and interesting, from light painting incorporating dance, to taking a picture of a tractor (sounds a bit dull, but certainly was not) and taking photos on a "pole". Very clever and definitely room for thought.

Message from Dave Smithson:- There was talk about the glass plate process and I spotted this in the NT What's On - At Arlington Court (EX31 4LP) Wet plate photography workshops, Sat 25 Apr & 16 May, 10.00 > 16.00. Join local photographer Stephen Raff for a workshop on how to take photographs the old fashioned way. Using traditional techniques you'll be able to produce glass plate photographs to take home. Price £150.  To book 0844 249 1895 or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wet-plate-photography-workshop-tickets-65507644127

It's worth reminding visitors of a few more events taking place in the bay in May, for example Brixham Pirate Festival will be a 2 day event on May 2nd & 3rd (this is not the bank holiday weekend) visit https://brixhampirates.com/ and a few days later Brixham will be commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Fri 8th (Bank Holiday), 9th & 10th with a full programme of events in the town, many free. See https://www.brixhamfuture.co.uk/back-to-the-40s-once-more/ for the full programme of events

As a reminder, on Monday we look forward to Jo Bradford and Smart Phone Smart Photography.  I believe this is part two.  Jo came last year and did part one, which I unfortunately missed. See you all on Monday. Angie Cottis