News

Packer tells of India travels

Published

8 years ago

April 28, 2016

A FULL HOUSE of members and guests were at the camera club meeting on Thursday (Apr 7), to once again be enthralled with the images and stories, and the travels of Roy Packer.

It was September last year that Roy gave an evening’s talk and showed members images of his tour of India.

This evening was a return to India ‘Amazing India’. Roy explained to members the equipment he carried which included his EOS – 1 DX Canon camera, 200-400 F4 lens and 1.4 extensions and various other lenses, chargers, cards and a laptop. He gave us a fact file of flight details and the 4187 miles he covered to get there, what Visa’s were required together with the medical requirements.

India has 17% of the worlds population an estimated 1,203,710,000 and covers and area 1,148 million square miles.

Using both still images, video and music Roy transported us firstly to understand the street life and through his eyes showed the rubbish and people sifting through it all, the animals and traffic to the sacred cows and finally to the luxury of hotels.

Roy’s passion for tigers was next shown to the members with some tiger tales, he explained that all the tigers were in the wild and each one was given a name and almost every tiger has a special story or reputation, such as ‘Machali’ the lady of the Lake and ‘Ustad who had killed three forest workers.

We were taken now to Keoladeo National Park sometimes called ‘Bird city’. The area is of international importance with over 375 bird species being recorded, not only were we shown spectacular images of Kingfishers, Cranes, Storks, Cormorants and Pelicans, Roy explained that getting around the area needed pedal power, using tri-cycles two to three people were transported.

In the Agra District, Roy visited the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

To conclude the first half of this exciting and captivating journey, Roy put together an audio visual of images taken in Calcutta.

Following the tea break and with the aid of maps, Roy introduced everyone to the Mangrove forest, the ‘Sundabarns’, one of the largest such forests in the world which lies on the Delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers all running in to the Bay of Bengal. Again Roy spoke of time and methods of transportation to get to his destination the ‘Ducki’ village on Gosaba Island.

We were told that the local inhabitants loved having pictures take this was evident from the images shown. The audience were shown the typical living conditions and homes made from mud and cow dung. Images were shown of Crocodiles, Lizards, Wild Hogs, Spotted Deer and of course the elusive ‘Bengal Tiger’.

The Kazirawga National Park in the district of Assam, famous not only for its’ tea, but also the home of the One Horned Rhino, known as the National Park Giant.

This remote National Park is also home to large herds of Elephants, Water Buffalo and Black Neck Storks, images of which we were privileged to see. Our journey with Roy continued to Jaipur were the images of Amber Fort once know as Dhundar, the Palace of the Winds known as Hawa Mahal and finally the Water Palace on Mausagar Lake.

The evening concluded with Roy visiting a new destination the city of ‘Varanasi’ where cremations take place daily on the steps known as the ‘Ghats’ alongside the Ganges. The ashes are then swept into the river to continue their life.

Roy’s passion for tigers and India was summed up in his final audio visual with numerous images of the tigers and the many characters that make up this vast country. Not allowing us to leave, a short presentation of his recent safari in Africa was shown – ‘But that’s for the future’.

The members thanked Roy for yet another memorable evening displaying not only his skill as a photographer, but also his passion.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

11 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

11 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

12 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.