Beadnell WI, Meeting

Speaker Tim Mason allowed us into his world of photographing wildlife, with particular emphasis on his speciality of recording birds.

He has an outstanding collection of photographs showing birds and butterflies in great clarity, detail and colour. Many of those we saw were taken in familiar territory – Amble, Hauxley Nature Reserve and local villages.

He gave us advice on how to attract birds and take shots that are so natural and successful, explaining how the different types of modern cameras that we all have access to can often match the results of more professional cameras.

His ‘back stories’ as to how he obtained his photographs added extra interest.

Tim’s shots were superb and eye-opening. We were delighted to try to identify familiar visitors to our area and learn of more unusual specimens that find their way here.

The collection was made even more vivid by hearing some of the bird calls Tim has recorded and seeing a short video of birds in movement. It was a wonderful all-round view of what we can find close by.

We also saw some amazing records of how the birds we are so familiar with build up air miles across the world.

Tim, and others, are now involved with introducing groups of young people to this fascinating world at Hauxley. As he is a former teacher, this would seem to be a natural progression.

Members certainly enjoyed seeing and hearing the results of what patience, persistence and passion can produce.

Our monthly competition for ‘a photograph you are proud of’, was won by Annette Manning, with a magnificent view of the Tyne taken by her son, with Pat and Liz being runners up. Members had certainly brought some very interesting items for Tim to judge.

The business section of the meeting found our president Pat Brand giving a very big thank you to all of the members, their families and friends who had helped our annual fete be so successful, despite the inclement weather. So much work had gone into the preparation, execution and clearing up at the end of the day. Tiring, but satisfying.

In addition, Pat thanked the small nucleus of people who have organised and run our Wednesday coffee mornings throughout the summer. These have been profitable and good fun, adding much needed revenue to the refurbishment fund, which is especially welcome since we have great hopes of modernising the kitchen over the winter months.

September’s lunch outing to Sambuca’s in Embleton had been very enjoyable.

Now members are looking forward to trying out the recently opened Carnaby’s at Brownieside in October. Unfortunately, we had to withdraw from the Bamburgh Show cake competition, but we were pleased to hear of the excellent entries from Belford and Bamburgh, with the former taking the honours.

With a massive influx of information from national and county, secretary Annette had to resort to reading out a list of them and directing members to the notice board.

Members who had attended Embleton’s birthday party reported on what had been a pleasant and hospitable afternoon.

Our next meeting will give us the opportunity to be updated on the Aln Valley Railway, by Roger Jermy. The competition is for a transport memento.

Tuesday, October 24, sees us holding a special coffee and crafts morning, from 10am to noon. Members are asked to support and promote the event. It would be most welcome if anyone could make cakes or tray bakes for the occasion. Hope to see you there.