Bluebell walk in Great Alne Woods

by Damien Walmsley 08/05/2022 28/05/2022

Bluebells stretching out in a forest glen are always a wonderful sight to behold. This year there has been an abundance of bluebells and they are slightly earlier than previous times. For the photographer, bluebells are so appealing and to see the blue flowers either close up or at a distance is always very appealing. This year I first noticed the bluebells when I visited the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and then again during a bike ride to Hay Wood that is close to home. I have visited several bluebell woods before, including Austy Woods, and I am always on the lookout for one that may offer a different take on this renowned British walk. The Heart of England Forest‘s Bluebell Wood which is in Great Alne, Warwickshire, held a charity woodland walk to help to conserve these irreplaceable ancient woodland habitats. I found it by chance on browsing through Facebook and signed up for the event.

The wood is near to one of my favourite breweries, Purity Beer, but sadly we passed the entrance and arrived at the Great Alne wood. Another time maybe! There were a few parked cars and there was a warm welcome from the organisers. My daughter, Natasha and Noah, my grandson, came with me and we set off to explore. This is an ancient wood and there were strategic signs placed along the way that gave us interesting nuggets of information about the wood. There was also a tree log strategically placed midway during the walk, where we could get some lovely selfie pictures with a bluebell backdrop. The place was quiet, and we felt at one with the place. The wood has a rolling terrain with gentle hills which show off the bluebells. Having had our fill of the bluebells we made our way back to the start. There was a short detour to a hill that provided a view of the surrounding area. The sun was out throughout the visit and this helped with the photography and views of both bluebells and scenery.

Photographic tips – I took my tripod with me, and I used my Canon 5D mkIV. I brought my general-purpose lens EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and a zoom lens EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM. I added a polariser on the 24-70mm lens. All pictures were taken in manual setting with the ISO 100 and I had my tripod to allow for a low shutter speed. My trusty iPhone13 also delivered some excellent pictures.

I have added links to previous bluebell walks. Please also visit the Heart of England Forest websites to learn more about what they do protecting and developing our forests.
Bluebells in Austy Woods
Heart of England Forest

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Transport Museum Wythall – IgersbirminghamUK

by Damien Walmsley 28/04/2022 08/05/2022

The Wythall transport museum is a treasure trove of bus memorabilia and it was recommend to the IgersbirminghamUK team as a place to hold an Instameet following a feature on BBC Midlands Today. The man behind the museum is enthusiast Denis Chick and he was there to greet us as we arrived at the Museum. Denis is Vice Chairman and Press Officer and there is nothing he does not know about the collection. His enthusiasm for the place is unlimited and we received a warm welcome. This was a limited numbers IgersbirminghamUK meeting as Denis already had a booking with a classic car display taking place. When we arrived the cars were already getting ready for the display. The sun was shinning off the highly polished bodywork. We could not have asked for better weather for a day out at the Transport Museum.

Many of the IgersbirminghamUK regulars were present plus one or two new faces. We had a quick introduction to the day, a group photograph and then we set off to explore the cars and buses. The museum houses over 90 buses. Many of the famous names of the past are there including Midland Red and the WMPTE blue and cream buses. There are other transport buses from around the West Midlands including representation from local independent operators. All the buses are in operating condition and sport a wonderful array of colours.

The IgersbirminghamUK participants were able to roam around the three hangers that housed the vehicles, and many photographs were taken. It was a dream location. Reflections in the windows and mirrors made for many great compositions. The small details in and around the buses and other memorabilia meant that as photographers we had a great time as we snapped away. I particularly liked all the emblems and old signs.

In line with the current green agenda, the museum has a collection of battery electric road vehicles. This includes 30 electric milk floats and bread vans. These vehicles were operated by companies such as the Co-op, Midland Counties and Birmingham and Handsworth Dairies. Once again like the buses, the milk floats were very photogenic and there was always a volunteer around to talk about their previous history and how they went about restoring them.

The exhibits were photographed all over from the overall bus to the minute details of the inside and the wheels and other interesting components. The spectrum of colours was a delight.

The bonus to the visit was National drive-it day. This is when all classic vehicle owners are encouraged to get their vehicle on the road. There were several car clubs present and the range of cars was so varied.

This was an enjoyable day and there is lots to see and do at the Transport Museum. I took too many pictures, but I have to say I enjoyed the day out. If you want to know more then have a look at the Museum web site and I have included the BBC Midlands today film that was put together about the museum.

A big thank you to Wythall Transport Museum for hosting us. Thank you to Nicky Butler part of the IgersbirminghamUK team for putting together the day but unable to join us. To John Convey of the Igers team for helping on the day. Thank you to all the participants who came along. These are my own personal photographs and if you wish to see some of the marvellous pictures taken then follow the link #igbuk_meet_wythall. If you are interested in our previous IgersbirminghamUK instameets then follow the links to show the variety of photographic subjects that are covered.
The Exchange meets IgersbirminghamUK
Moseley Instameet – IgersbirminghamUK

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East Midlands Aeropark

by Damien Walmsley 27/04/2022 15/07/2024

Who does not like plane spotting? It is great fun and is brilliant for practising your photographic skills as the planes land and take off. Whilst searching for a new place to visit I came across the East Midlands Aeropark. The aeropark is a small museum that is the home for several famous planes that took to the skies in years gone by. The close proximity of the park to the runway of East Midlands Airport has the added advantage that it allows you to view the planes coming in and out.

BAC Lightning — Another view of the Aeropark

Arriving at the Aeropark, the sun was shinning with few clouds in the sky. Perfect viewing conditions. My grandson, Noah was so excited about the visit and our first port of call was the going inside a VC10. Whilst on board there was the original “see through” scale model of the plane and an opportunity to visit the cockpit. Noah was allowed to sit in the left hand side pilot’s flying seat. Whilst sitting there, he listened attentively to the kind volunteer who explained all about the buttons. Noah pressed a lot of buttons! The volunteers were so kind and treated him as a grown up, although they did say that moving the steering wheel around violently may spill a few gin and tonics in the back of the plane! Sandy my wife once flew on VC10s to the far east on a regular basis during holidays from boarding school, so it was a trip down memory lane for her.

The overall theme of the visit was how friendly the place was and all the volunteers were so keen to help out. One of the volunteers, Carl, saw that I was taking photographs and gave me access to look over the wings of the Avro Vulcan bomber. For me this was my highlight of the visit.

What else was there to photograph? A Sea King helicopter, a Meteor, a BAC Lightning and a BAe Nimrod plus many others as listed on the website. There is a shop with refreshments and the obligatory toy plane for Noah. There were many plane engines in there as well.

We did not forget about the plane spotting, and we spent time on one of the mounds overlooking the runway watching the planes land. Luckily the landing was happening on the east part of the runway so we could watch the planes hanging in the air as they came into land.

I would highly recommend a visit to this museum. It is well worth the admission price and if you have young children or anyone with an interest in flying then you will not be disappointed.

Here are some links to the East Midlands Aeropark and the East Midlands Airport.

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Sistine Chapel

by Damien Walmsley 23/04/2022 26/04/2022

I love exhibitions that think outside the box. The Sistine chapel exhibition is different. Whilst In Rome, I missed the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel and wonder what the experience is like. Apparently it is very crowded and you spend your time looking upwards and at a distance at the great works of Michelangelo. It is still said to be a moving experience.

Meanwhile in a warehouse in deepest Digbeth, there is a Secret Space and it was here that 34 life sized reproductions of the frescos were displayed by the Fever exhibition company. The pictures were arranged around two large rooms and there was an audio accompaniment to each fresco. Some pictures were hung on the ceiling with the majority on the sides of the warehouse.

There was ample space to move around and take pictures. My friend Monsignor Danny McHugh religiously followed the audio narrative. I chose to jump back and forth taking pictures of both the exhibition and the observers. It was an enjoyable experience. A church like atmosphere was maintained throughout by the use of choral music. I found that I came away with an enhanced understanding of how Michelangelo executed his paintings and the thought processes behind them. There were some humorous parts of the narrative that accompanied the picture viewing. There were some nice attentions to detail and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

Next I will visit the real Sistine Chapel but for now I hope you enjoy the pictures. If you can catch the exhibition in your own local town then I would recommend seeing it.

The pictures were taken with both my Fujifilm x100v and my iPhone13. The mobile phone does a great job of low light situations but I like the control that the x100v gives me as well. I have the settings of the Fujifilm on Aperture priority and automatic ISO.

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Middleton Lakes RSPB

by Damien Walmsley 20/04/2022 26/04/2022

I always wonder how I miss local attractions when I have lived in the area for most of my life. Kingsbury water park and Drayton Manor Park are near to each other and the family has enjoyed many days out in both places. What I had overlooked over the years is Middleton lakes which is owned by the RSPB and is situated between the other two major venues. The RSPB reserve is next to the Bodymoor Heath Aston Villa training grounds and adjacent to Middleton Hall. The latter was closed when I visited but the RSPD car park was open and once there, I set off to explore the reserve.

My first port of call was the bird feeders and as I placed myself behind the hide, several birds visited included blue tits and a woodpecker. I had brought along my 400mm zoom lens and was able to get some good close ups. My walk up the river path took me to the Birmingham and Fazerley canal. The path took me past some nooks and crannies near to the river. Here I was able to stand in the woods and get some great pictures of the birds who came along.

I walked past the canal onto the flatlands and there were hundreds of seagulls flying around although there were a few other birds such as Canada geese present. I did spot my first butterfly of the season, an orange tip. The reserve is well set out and you can get good views of wildlife. I spotted swans, herons and partridges although I was not quick enough with my camera for some of them.

I did enjoy the visit but was left frustrated as I did not capture the flying birds as well as I had hoped. As I walked back reflecting on how to get better images, there were two ducks on the canal bridge walls. Getting my iPhone out I took a close-up picture of the birds before they moved on.

My duck stare picture did get a positive set of viewing on my social media channels. The picture of the lakes was featured on the lunchtime BBC weather report. These features made for a satisfying end of my visit to Middleton Lakes.

This is my first blog on wildlife pictures but here is a taste of some of my previous blogs that features a few of my feathered friends.
Coombe Abbey Country Park
Arrow Valley Country Park

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Normanton Church

by Damien Walmsley 17/04/2022 26/04/2022

There are many iconic picture locations in England which demand to be photographed. Luckily I have visited several including Chesterton Windmill and Burnham-on-Sea Lighthouse. Both places combine an unusual structure that can be photographed against the elements of the weather. One iconic location that I have wanted to visit for a while is Normanton church on the shores of Rutland Water reservoir. The place is a popular venue especially for weddings and sightseers .

The church sits just below the water level and therefore looks as if it has sunk. The iconic look of the church as it sits away from the shore of the lake provides many photographic opportunities. Access is very easy and there is a car park nearby with well served amenities all managed by Anglian water. In fact the place is ideal for many activities including a walk around the lake shore. Sian my daughter and her husband Jim, were interested in visiting the place as well and when we arrived the weather looked good. Blue skies and white clouds. As there was a wedding taking place it was not possible to explore the church itself and I could only take pictures from afar. It was still possible to get some good photographs of the church against the lake and the sky.

Rutland Water — The sailing club was active in the gusty conditions.

After taking pictures of the church and then setting off on a walk, the weather changed. As you can see we then experienced sleet and rain followed by yet again blue skies etc. The weather did not dampen my enthusiasm for taking pictures of Normanton Church and the walk around the lake will be explored more at a further date.

As a final note, I started off my Spaghetti Junction blog with the words “What lies below”. When I posted my pictures about Rutland Water reservoir on my social media feeds, one of my friends commented about a murder novel written about the area. The book is called “What lies beneath” and features Normanton Church on its cover. The story when a dead body is found on the rocks of Normanton Church. The victim has been laid out in a crucifixion pose…….

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Spaghetti Junction 50 years on

by Damien Walmsley 15/04/2022 23/05/2022

What lies below is a theme for this and my next blog. Spaghetti Junction is 50 years old in May 2022. Millions of car drivers pass over Spaghetti Junction as they hurtle past Birmingham. Many are on the M6 heading north or south to their destination with no thought about what is below. For others the Aston Expressway is the main northern route into Birmingham and is a spur off the Junction. The sprawl of roads spit out cars to Erdington and 6 ways along the Tyburn Road. People live in Gravelly Hill immediately adjacent to the junction. The area is a mixture of concrete, noise and fumes. The Junction celebrates 50 years in May and at the time was seen as a landmark construction. Over the years it has become synonymous with Birmingham.

As a photographer what lies below is much more interesting and is seldom seen from above. The first part of the junction to investigate is Salford circus which is the link roundabout for many of the local roads to the motorway. It is not clear what the planners had in mind but the inner pedestrian area of the junction is an unfriendly concrete jungle. It is covered in litter and graffiti tagging. It is not a place to visit alone and luckily my photographic colleague John Bray was with me. The concrete pillars are giants holding up the roads above. The area is under attack and the hero is nature as it attempts to reclaim the area.

Kicking our way through the rubbish we make ouir way through the underpasses and cross the busy junction to reach the canal access steps. Running under the Motorway the canals also make a junction. There is where three canals come together namely the Birmingham and Fazeley, the Tame Valley and the Birmingham and Warwick Junction canals. Flowing alongside the canals is the River Tame. The area has numerous bridges criss crossing the canal and the light peeks through vents above. There are grafitti strewn around the place. Cyclists and walkers move around in a surreal dance. Walking eastwards the Motorway passes Star City and the area is reminiscent of many TV programmes. This is probably because a great deal of car chase filming takes place around here.

Moving westwards there is a bridge tunnel where there is graffiti which in the past was renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship in previous years. When we visited, there was just a white washed wall with a prison window. I am unsure of the meaning of this painting. The site is used as there is a shaft of light that comes down from above the junction onto the canalside.

The canal path leads under all the roads that form the Junction and there is repair work on several of the bridges. A path along the Aston Expressway eventually comes out onto Aston reservoir. This is a hidden feature in the shadows of the Motorway. It is relatively peaceful and a contrast to the distant noise of the traffic. Moving along the perimeter and keeping the river Tame in view, there are trees and shrubs which are reclaiming the land underneath the tarmac. This becomes the end of our journey underneath Spaghetti junction, and we head home back on the M6.

There are likely to be birthday celebrations on its big 50 birthday but meanwhile here is a BBC link celebrating 40 years.

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Photographing Southampton

by Damien Walmsley 13/04/2022 26/04/2022

I always enjoy visiting a new city and I was excited that such an opportunity arose through my research work. The City was Southampton. Arriving in the city via the train station, it is quickly apparent how much of it is new and there is little in the way of old pre-war structures. Blechynden Terrace is one of several reminders of the German Blitz during WWII. Whilst interesting, it was not in a great state and there was a large metal ring which held the wall together. The ring was a memorial to the past but the park was neglected and a refuge for the fringes of society rather than remembering the past.

The Southampton civic centre features on many photographs of the city. The buildings are set in a public area and serve several functions. I did not have time to visit inside the Civic centre and made my way around to the Guildhall Square. Next to the square there is what appears to be an old department store building called the St James Mathews Building. It is owned by Southampton Solent University and the part that I liked is all the Street Art on the outside of the building with some of it being very colourful.

I only had small parcels of time to get any photography done and, on the morning of the meeting, I got up very early and went down to the Mayflower Park to see which cruise ships were in. these floating cities are quite monstrous in real life, and one wonders how they float yet alone sail. My pictures show the Spirit of Adventure in the early morning light.

The meeting finished early, and I had a few hours before the train home. I walked down Portland Terrace setting off from the Civic Centre. The street is very non-descript with a range of shops and facades that would make you think you could be in any city. I passed through Bargate and discovered more of the old city wall. There is the Arundel tower of the old city and the forty steps. I particularly liked the statue of one of the former mayors of the city looking over the old walls.

The next point of call was the remnants of the old town and the Tudor House and the church of St Michael the Archangel. Another part of the old area of Southampton and although only small in area full of history. There was a passageway that led down to the Pig in the Wall pub and other interesting artwork including the outlines of merchant ships Western Esplanade and memorials of the voyage of the Mayflower. I was now back at Mayflower Park and saw another of the big ships was in with the Spirit of Adventure.

Time to catch my train home and as I walked to the station, I passed derelict areas where planners of large shopping centres had not realised that a change of tastes and economy would make them quickly redundant. Southampton is a city to visit but it does portray a history of a changing city.

Pictures were taken mainly with my Fujifilm x100v and Silver Efex was used for the black and white conversions.

If you enjoy the Photographing cities and countries series then here are a few links to get you started.
Photographing Royal Leamington Spa
Photographing Oxford
Photographing Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Finally there is always the Visit Southampton webpages to follow up any interest that I may have generated 🙂

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Wheels of London

by Damien Walmsley 04/04/2022 26/04/2022

I was down in London visiting the British Dental Association in Wimpole Street. A friend and colleague, Nairn Wilson, has a project of collecting dental ties. So far he has well over 200 of them. My task was to photograph them for cataloguing purposes.

A trip to London is always fun as the place offers so many photographic opportunities. I came down by Chiltern trains to Marylebone and returned via Euston to Rugby where Sandy was visiting my daughter and the grandchildren. The arrival and walk from Marylebone is always exciting as you pass by many different streets, main roads and parks. After the visit to the BDA and the photographs of the ties, I made my way down to Oxford Street. I was lucky as the setting sun had begun to set low along Oxford Street. In the subsequent golden hour, there was some lovely light with long shadows. Oxford street is an ideal place for street photography as there are so many people moving around. There were so many pictures on my camera and of some many different themes. However I noticed that I had focused on bicycles and skateboards and these leant themselves to a story.

At the start of the day, I had taken a few pictures of cyclists on my way to the BDA HQ in Wimpole Street. As I made my way back to Euston, there were cyclists moving along Oxford Street. The area around Oxford Circus is very busy and there are many cyclists moving around in between the buses. My final part of journey back to Euston took me through Triton street and here I came across people on skateboards that added to my portfolio. So enjoy my themed series and I am looking forward to my next visit to the capitol.

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#NGTUK

by Damien Walmsley 03/04/2022 03/04/2022

I love National Geographic Traveller UK magazine and I am always tagging my pictures with their hashtag #NGTUK in the hope of being featured. My persistence paid off and my picture of a person walking along Regency Wharf in Gas Street Basin was featured first on Instagram and then in the April edition of the magazine. It just shows that you do not have to travel far to get featured in a travel magazine.

NGTUK picture page 2022 — My picture on the Instagram page

NGTUK picture 2022 — My picture on the Instagram page

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