March 6th

I attended a black and white digital printing workshop run by the South West Region of the RPS. We were shown how the old darkroom processes which took a long time and much patience to do, can be successfully replicated in the digital age. Below is another of my Dartmoor images converted into a Lith Print.

My picture of surfers on Woolacombe Beach won the first prize and much acclaim in a competition for an image from an RPS field trip. The print is far more subtle and beautiful than the on screen version shown earlier. 

 Feb 26th - 28th

Had a wonderful weekend walking on the prehistoric landscape of Dartmoor, the weather wasn't the greatest for photography - violent winds and then very bright sunshine.  The things that really caught my eye were the Clapper Bridges, I photographed two which both required long walks to find but they were well worth it. They of unknown age, their simplicity and situation really lending themselves to black and white images.

Feb 6th - 7th

A field trip weekend with the South Western group of the Royal Photographic Society , this was based at Ilfracombe.  the accommodation was excellent and incredible value at £24.50 for B&B and an evening meal.

The first day was spent in brilliant sunshine walking around the faded glory of Ilfracombe and then in the afternoon a trip to Woolacombe.   The surf was running quite high and was a splendid sight in the winter sun. the beach was filled with not only photographers but surfers and dog walkers!!

29th -30th  January

This weekend, I took advantage of an out of season offer to stay at the Hunters Inn on Exmoor, the idea was to go with my husband - very useful map reader and tripod carrier!!- to try and take some atmospheric winter landscapes.  We were so lucky to find excellent hospitality at the Inn and a light fall of snow during the night brought the landscapes to life the next day.  The weather was perfect. 

We had eaten a particulary delicious steak for supper and after complimenting the landlord, he introduced us to the farmer who had reared the animal. We are both interested in all things agricultural and of course asked if we could go and visit their small farm the next day.  The meat had come from their herd of 'Red Rubies'

After viewing the cattle we then went to see their flock of pedigree Exmoor Horn sheep , sheepdogs quickly brought them to us and the flock in the afternoon sunshine against the backdrop of a winter Exmoor looked absolutely stunning.

The next day was cloudy but the sun appeared behind the clouds and a further light fall of snow helped to give the landscape interest

The year got off to an excellent start when I was approached by the County Museum service to see if I would take pictures to record the human side of all the extensive renovations going on in Taunton Castle . the old County museum is being completely renovated and will reopen as the 'Musuem of Somerset '.  The emptying of the building and its rebuilding will take 3 years, at present work on the refurbishment is well under way.  My first visit was on a very cold January morning. I have to be accompanied at all times and must wear steel toe cap boots and a hard hat!!

At the moment the castle is an extemely challenging environment in which to take pictures, The whole building is covered inside and out in scaffolding, festooned with green safety netting, there are piles of materials everywhere and all the workmen have to wear protective clothing.