Wolverhampton Photographic Society

WPS ~ Outings and Walks 2008

Sunday, April 27th

Bradford Dale, Youlgreave, Derbyshire

The Dale is a beautiful spot in the heart of the Peak District. We will take a pleasant stroll along the Dale which at this time of year should be alive with a mixture of bird life and wild flowers. It is a regular breeding area for Dippers and if the young have fledged there is a good chance of seeing them being fed by the parent birds. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. in the car park which is on the left as you enter the village immediately after the allotments. From Ashbourne take the A515 to Buxton. In 9 miles turn right on the A5012 signed Cromford and Matlock. Almost immediately turn left signed Youlgreave 4 miles. Keep straight on at crossroads and continue on this road following signs for Youlgreave (sometimes spelt Youlgrave). It is approx. 50 miles; allow 1.5 hours for the drive..

Sunday, May 18th

Consall Hall Landscape Gardens, Staffs

Another favourite spot near Wetley Rocks in the Staffordshire Moorlands The gardens have been featured on BBC television and are designed round a large lake with various follies and a number of seats, many of which are undercover. (I remember last summer).From Stone take the A520 towards Leek. At Wetley Rocks turn right on to the A522 this will take you to Consall Village which is signed as a no through road. go through the village following signs for the gardens which are on the right. The Hall is not open to the public. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. in the car park. Admission is £5 or £12 for a family ticket of 2 adults and 3 children. It is approx. 35 miles; allow an hour for the journey.

SAT.NAV. – ST9 0AG www.consallgardens.co.uk

2nd June - British Wildlife Centre

For the fans of wildlife out there, we have arranged an outing to the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey for Monday 2nd June 2008. Due to the location of the venue (near Gatwick airport) it really does mean an overnight stop in the area on the Sunday night. However due to the closeness of Gatwick, it does mean there are plenty of B&Bs available at “reasonable” prices.

The day costs £55 each (excluding the bed and breakfast!) - you can find details of the “Photography days” on the BWC website on http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk

This is a “photography only” day and the centre is not open to the general public on this day. There will be up to 20 photographers in the centre. Joe, Kath, Jayne and I have visited this centre previously and can confirm a very good photographic experience. Please note there is a maximum of 20 photographers on this day and it is open to others, so book early or be dissapointed.

Tea etc is provided, however you do need to supply your own lunch (local garages or shops sell sandwiches etc)

If you are interested, please make your own booking at the centre (telephone number is on their website) – but due to the limited numbers it will be “first come - first served”. Due to the cost of the places, the Society will not be directly involved in the booking. The making of the booking for the Wildlife Centre, payment and (if necessary) any cancellations will be your personal responsibility. Payment itself is made on the day at the centre.

To see a list of local B&Bs have a look on this website: http://www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk/tourism/accommodation.php?section=bbabout

Alternatively Len has found this Travelodge. It is only about 9 miles from the Wildlife Centre. Web address: http://www.travelodge.co.uk/find_a_hotel/hotel/hotel_id/325/CaterhamWhyteleafe

Again, these bookings are your personal responsibility. Hopefully we can all meet up somewhere on the Sunday evening.

If you do decide to participate in the day,please drop a courtesy e-mail to wps@wolverhamptonps.co.uk so we can keep a tab on the total number attending.

Sunday, June15th

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings

A visit has been arranged to the Museum to coincide with The British Classic Car Rally which hopefully will feature something for everyone. The Museum opened in 1967 and contains a series of buildings which were saved from demolition and rebuilt on the site. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. in the car park. Admission is £6.60 or £5.50 for concessions. Family ticket costs £16.50. Leave the M5 at Junction 5 and take the A38. The Museum is well signposted from here. It is 30 miles and mostly motorway so is quite easy to get to.

SAT.NAV. – B60 4JR www.avoncroft.org.uk

Tuesday, June 24th (Evening)

Dudley Canal Tunnels

An evening visit has been arranged for a boat trip through the canal tunnels. The cost is £8.50 or £12.00 including a fish & chip supper. We will meet on the car park on the Birmingham New Road at 7.00 p.m. prompt. From here we will be transported to our starting point where will be served with our fish & chips. The trip we will take about 2 hours and we will finish back at the car park from where we started. There are still places available, for further information contact Len Doughty. The car park entrance is on the main A4123 adjacent to the Black Country Museum.

Sunday, 13th July - Barn Owl Centre, Gloucester

We are arranging an outing the Barn Owl Centre in Gloucester on Sunday 13th July 2008.

A number of our members have visited previously, but as they are now in the process of moving into their new centre it promises to be an even better experience than before. There will be more birds in flight and no inconvenient trips to open fields – as it now right at the back in the centre. The birds will include Buzzard, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Eagle Owl, Little Owl and many more, plus a lot more flight pictures than were previously possible. Obviously the day will be substantially tailored to our wishes and needs. The centre director, Vince Jones, is a very keen photographer himself, so knows what we are looking for and always comes up with the goods.

If anyone who has not visited the centre previously wants some more info or background, have a word with Chris, Joe, Len or Alan at our next meeting.

The cost is £40 per person (payable on the day – cash is preferred) and will include tea, coffee and biscuits, but bring your own lunch. The day will commence at approx 10.30am (it’s no more than 90 minutes to get down there from here) and finish around 4.30 or so.

Please confirm your interest to Chris Nutt who is co-ordinating the bookings - wps@wolverhamptonps.co.uk

.Sunday, July 27th

Tough Guy – Jenny Walker Lane, Perton

Always worth a visit and a great opportunity for some people pictures as the competitors tackle this gruelling cross country course containing some of the most diabolical obstacles you could ever imagine. You could even enter if you want! A perfect way to spend a Sunday. It is only 5 miles out of Wolverhampton off the A454 Bridgnorth Road, turn right at the traffic lights into Jenny Walker Lane. Meet at 10.30.a.m. on the car (field) park. No prices available yet but £5 should be enough.

SAT.NAV. – WV6 7HB

Sunday, August 17th

Fradley Junction - Alrewas

This popular spot is at the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Coventry canals. There is also a nature reserve and a few short walks we can choose from. The new National Memorial Arboretum is also only 3.5 miles away and we could visit there as well if time allows. Entry to all these venues is free and they are less than 25 miles away. Take the A5 towards Burton and then A5148 which changes to the A38. After just under 5 miles turn left into Fradley Lane and follow the signs for the Junction. Meet on the Pay & Display car park at 10.30.a.m.

SAT.NAV. – DE13 7DN

Sunday, 21st September

Powis Castle, Welshpool

The castle and grounds belong to the National Trust and is free for members. Admission for non members is £10.50 or £7.50 for the gardens only. These prices include gift aid which is optional. Situated 1 mile south of Welshpool the castle is easily reached from the M54 –A5 then onto the A458 – A483 finally A458 again and is well signed. We will meet at 11.00. a.m. on the car park which is free. Approx. 55 miles.

SAT. NAV. – SY21 8RF

Sunday, 12th October

Brockhampton, near Bromyard

This fine Moated Manor House has been on my list for a couple of years and now I have finally fitted it in. It is National Trust again and the cost is £5.25 or £2.50 grounds only. There are several walks throughout the park and woodlands plus the timber framed Manor and Gatehouse. Leave the M5 at Junction 7 and take the A44 for Worcester, then the A4440 rejoining the A44 after 4 roundabouts to follow the leisure signs to Lower Brockhampton. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. on the car park. Approx. 52 miles

SAT.NAV. – WR6 5TB.

2nd - 7th November - Patterdale, Lake District

As many of you may remember, quite a few of our members had a short holiday in the Lake District last October / November (I think there were 18 of us in total). We have an opportunity to do this again this year. Of course wives/husbands/partners etc are all welcome.

The rate for the double or twin front rooms is £156 and for the rear rooms £146 per person – for 5 nights bed, breakfast and evening meal. There are also 4 single rooms available at £146 each. A deposit of £25 per person is required at the time of booking.

The outing starts with arrival at the hotel on the afternoon of Sunday the 2nd November and ends on the morning of Friday 7th November.

If you are interested in booking, please call the reservation line on 0845 458 4333 and quote the reservation number 257071 – this will enable the hotel to seat us together in the dining room – an arrangement that worked very well last year.

The Patterdale Hotel is situated in a quiet position near the banks of Ullswater, so the hotel is very well positioned for outings by car and foot. The food in the hotel and level of service is excellent. The rooms are fairly basic but comfortable and adequately equipped. See the hotel web site at: http://www.choicehotels.co.uk/patterdale/index.php

Last year we had a variety of outings and walks during our time at the hotel, comprising of both group and individual events.

This time of year is normally good for Autumn colours. Of course, it is the Lake District, so weather can be variable. If you want to have a chat about this break, please give me a call on 01902 844883

Please re-visit for updates

	. WPS ~ Outings and Walks 2008 . Sunday, April 27th Bradford Dale, Youlgreave, Derbyshire The Dale is a beautiful spot in the heart of the Peak District. We will take a pleasant stroll along the Dale which at this time of year should be alive with a mixture of bird life and wild flowers. It is a regular breeding area for Dippers and if the young have fledged there is a good chance of seeing them being fed by the parent birds. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. in the car park which is on the left as you enter the village immediately after the allotments. From Ashbourne take the A515 to Buxton. In 9 miles turn right on the A5012 signed Cromford and Matlock. Almost immediately turn left signed Youlgreave 4 miles. Keep straight on at crossroads and continue on this road following signs for Youlgreave (sometimes spelt Youlgrave). It is approx. 50 miles; allow 1.5 hours for the drive.. . Sunday, May 18th Consall Hall Landscape Gardens, Staffs Another favourite spot near Wetley Rocks in the Staffordshire Moorlands The gardens have been featured on BBC television and are designed round a large lake with various follies and a number of seats, many of which are undercover. (I remember last summer).From Stone take the A520 towards Leek. At Wetley Rocks turn right on to the A522 this will take you to Consall Village which is signed as a no through road. go through the village following signs for the gardens which are on the right. The Hall is not open to the public. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. in the car park. Admission is £5 or £12 for a family ticket of 2 adults and 3 children. It is approx. 35 miles; allow an hour for the journey. SAT.NAV. – ST9 0AG www.consallgardens.co.uk . 2nd June - British Wildlife Centre For the fans of wildlife out there, we have arranged an outing to the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey for Monday 2nd June 2008. Due to the location of the venue (near Gatwick airport) it really does mean an overnight stop in the area on the Sunday night. However due to the closeness of Gatwick, it does mean there are plenty of B&Bs available at “reasonable” prices. The day costs £55 each (excluding the bed and breakfast!) - you can find details of the “Photography days” on the BWC website on http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk This is a “photography only” day and the centre is not open to the general public on this day. There will be up to 20 photographers in the centre. Joe, Kath, Jayne and I have visited this centre previously and can confirm a very good photographic experience. Please note there is a maximum of 20 photographers on this day and it is open to others, so book early or be dissapointed. Tea etc is provided, however you do need to supply your own lunch (local garages or shops sell sandwiches etc) If you are interested, please make your own booking at the centre (telephone number is on their website) – but due to the limited numbers it will be “first come - first served”. Due to the cost of the places, the Society will not be directly involved in the booking. The making of the booking for the Wildlife Centre, payment and (if necessary) any cancellations will be your personal responsibility. Payment itself is made on the day at the centre. To see a list of local B&Bs have a look on this website: http://www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk/tourism/accommodation.php?section=bbabout Alternatively Len has found this Travelodge. It is only about 9 miles from the Wildlife Centre. Web address: http://www.travelodge.co.uk/find_a_hotel/hotel/hotel_id/325/CaterhamWhyteleafe Again, these bookings are your personal responsibility. Hopefully we can all meet up somewhere on the Sunday evening. The location of the centre itself can be seen on the multimap page: http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB\|lingfield#t=l&map=51.16666,-0.0513\|14\|4&loc=GB:51.16666:-0.0513:15\|rh7%206lf\|RH7%206LF If you do decide to participate in the day,please drop a courtesy e-mail to wps@wolverhamptonps.co.uk so we can keep a tab on the total number attending. . Sunday, June15th Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings A visit has been arranged to the Museum to coincide with The British Classic Car Rally which hopefully will feature something for everyone. The Museum opened in 1967 and contains a series of buildings which were saved from demolition and rebuilt on the site. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. in the car park. Admission is £6.60 or £5.50 for concessions. Family ticket costs £16.50. Leave the M5 at Junction 5 and take the A38. The Museum is well signposted from here. It is 30 miles and mostly motorway so is quite easy to get to. SAT.NAV. – B60 4JR www.avoncroft.org.uk . Tuesday, June 24th (Evening) Dudley Canal Tunnels An evening visit has been arranged for a boat trip through the canal tunnels. The cost is £8.50 or £12.00 including a fish & chip supper. We will meet on the car park on the Birmingham New Road at 7.00 p.m. prompt. From here we will be transported to our starting point where will be served with our fish & chips. The trip we will take about 2 hours and we will finish back at the car park from where we started. There are still places available, for further information contact Len Doughty. The car park entrance is on the main A4123 adjacent to the Black Country Museum. .. Sunday, 13th July - Barn Owl Centre, Gloucester We are arranging an outing the Barn Owl Centre in Gloucester on Sunday 13th July 2008. A number of our members have visited previously, but as they are now in the process of moving into their new centre it promises to be an even better experience than before. There will be more birds in flight and no inconvenient trips to open fields – as it now right at the back in the centre. The birds will include Buzzard, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Eagle Owl, Little Owl and many more, plus a lot more flight pictures than were previously possible. Obviously the day will be substantially tailored to our wishes and needs. The centre director, Vince Jones, is a very keen photographer himself, so knows what we are looking for and always comes up with the goods. If anyone who has not visited the centre previously wants some more info or background, have a word with Chris, Joe, Len or Alan at our next meeting. The cost is £40 per person (payable on the day – cash is preferred) and will include tea, coffee and biscuits, but bring your own lunch. The day will commence at approx 10.30am (it’s no more than 90 minutes to get down there from here) and finish around 4.30 or so. Please confirm your interest to Chris Nutt who is co-ordinating the bookings - wps@wolverhamptonps.co.uk .. .Sunday, July 27th Tough Guy – Jenny Walker Lane, Perton Always worth a visit and a great opportunity for some people pictures as the competitors tackle this gruelling cross country course containing some of the most diabolical obstacles you could ever imagine. You could even enter if you want! A perfect way to spend a Sunday. It is only 5 miles out of Wolverhampton off the A454 Bridgnorth Road, turn right at the traffic lights into Jenny Walker Lane. Meet at 10.30.a.m. on the car (field) park. No prices available yet but £5 should be enough. SAT.NAV. – WV6 7HB Sunday, August 17th Fradley Junction - Alrewas This popular spot is at the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Coventry canals. There is also a nature reserve and a few short walks we can choose from. The new National Memorial Arboretum is also only 3.5 miles away and we could visit there as well if time allows. Entry to all these venues is free and they are less than 25 miles away. Take the A5 towards Burton and then A5148 which changes to the A38. After just under 5 miles turn left into Fradley Lane and follow the signs for the Junction. Meet on the Pay & Display car park at 10.30.a.m. SAT.NAV. – DE13 7DN . Sunday, 21st September Powis Castle, Welshpool The castle and grounds belong to the National Trust and is free for members. Admission for non members is £10.50 or £7.50 for the gardens only. These prices include gift aid which is optional. Situated 1 mile south of Welshpool the castle is easily reached from the M54 –A5 then onto the A458 – A483 finally A458 again and is well signed. We will meet at 11.00. a.m. on the car park which is free. Approx. 55 miles. SAT. NAV. – SY21 8RF Sunday, 12th October Brockhampton, near Bromyard This fine Moated Manor House has been on my list for a couple of years and now I have finally fitted it in. It is National Trust again and the cost is £5.25 or £2.50 grounds only. There are several walks throughout the park and woodlands plus the timber framed Manor and Gatehouse. Leave the M5 at Junction 7 and take the A44 for Worcester, then the A4440 rejoining the A44 after 4 roundabouts to follow the leisure signs to Lower Brockhampton. We will meet at 10.30.a.m. on the car park. Approx. 52 miles SAT.NAV. – WR6 5TB. . 2nd - 7th November - Patterdale, Lake District As many of you may remember, quite a few of our members had a short holiday in the Lake District last October / November (I think there were 18 of us in total). We have an opportunity to do this again this year. Of course wives/husbands/partners etc are all welcome. The rate for the double or twin front rooms is £156 and for the rear rooms £146 per person – for 5 nights bed, breakfast and evening meal. There are also 4 single rooms available at £146 each. A deposit of £25 per person is required at the time of booking. The outing starts with arrival at the hotel on the afternoon of Sunday the 2nd November and ends on the morning of Friday 7th November. If you are interested in booking, please call the reservation line on 0845 458 4333 and quote the reservation number 257071 – this will enable the hotel to seat us together in the dining room – an arrangement that worked very well last year. The Patterdale Hotel is situated in a quiet position near the banks of Ullswater, so the hotel is very well positioned for outings by car and foot. The food in the hotel and level of service is excellent. The rooms are fairly basic but comfortable and adequately equipped. See the hotel web site at: http://www.choicehotels.co.uk/patterdale/index.php Last year we had a variety of outings and walks during our time at the hotel, comprising of both group and individual events. This time of year is normally good for Autumn colours. Of course, it is the Lake District, so weather can be variable. If you want to have a chat about this break, please give me a call on 01902 844883 . Please re-visit for updates . .