2022 Club outings ideas

[Ian Stedman]

Hi,

Working through the member survey comments and those received from other outings and discussions, here is an outline plan for 2022. All are subject to change, some will inevitably not happen but it's good to have somethings to look forward to during the Winter months.

Eagle Heights
Website:     https://www.eagleheights.co.uk/
When:        March to May, weather dependent, open Mon,Weds, Fri & weekend.
Location:    Eynsford
What is it:  Bird Sanctuary with flying performances where you can get close without a long lens
Cost:         Concession £9.95, Adult £12.95

Lea Valley whitewater centre
Website:    https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/whitewater
When:       Dependent on events taking place and availability of 'Press' passes.
Location:   Lee Valley White Water Centre
What is it: White water rafting, good sports photography
Cost:        TBC
Note, dependent on events being held.

Canal Walk in London
Website:   https://londoncanals.uk/2020/11/23/london-canals-site-map/
When:      April to September
Location:  Likely are Regent, Grand Union or Lee Navigation
What is it: A mix of nature (hopefully) and urban/urban decay.
Cost:        A refreshing drink and lunch on the route.

Thames path
Website:     https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/thames-path
When:        May to September
Location:     Suggestions are Tower of London to Wapping, Isle of Dogs (maybe half).
What is it:   A walk along the thames path, possibly at low tide if shoreline access.
Cost:          A refreshing drink and lunch on the route.

Kelsey Park
Website:     N/A
When:        May 2022 as the birds are young.
Location:    Kelsey park, Beckenham.
What is it:  A chance to photograph a variety of birds at a secluded lake. Talk to Chris Nash.
Cost:         Travel to Beckenham and parking.

Return to the city of London
Website:    N/A
When:       March-November when it is quiet, likely weekend.
Location:   EC1
What is it: A repeat of our twix and tween visit. Perhaps a challenge or two on the day?
Cost:        Off-peak travel to Cannon Street station.

An away trip to the Seaside (Whitstable and Margate)
Website:   https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/ and https://www.timeout.com/whitstable/things-to-do/a-perfect-day-in-whitstable
When:      May to mid July, before peak season, mid-week preferred?
Location:  Beside the sea
What is it: A combination of two ideas, a trip to Whitstable old town and Margate old town + seafronts.
Cost:       Suggest at least an overnight stay in the region, to reduce travelling and make it more cost effective as parking and fuel are expensive. To discuss.
Note: Whitstable Oyster festival has moved to 27-30 August, the bank holiday weekend.

Notable bank holidays in 2022:
Good Friday            Fri, 15 Apr 2022
Easter Monday            Mon, 18 Apr 2022
Early May Bank Holiday  Mon, 2 May 2022
Spring Bank Holiday   Thu, 2 Jun 2022
Platinum Jubilee bank holiday Fri, 3 Jun 2022
Summer Bank Holiday Mon, 29 Aug 2022

These are all ideas for discussion, the forum is open.

[Ian Stedman]

Hi,

I found an additional, potential outing in my notes.

Day trip to Brighton for Horse racing

Website:    https://www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk/
When:       Peak times are May to August.
Location:   Brighton
What is it: Good sports photography and people watching
Cost:        Admission to the Racecourse is £26, they currently have tickets in the January sale for £16 per person.

I'll start working on a few ideas for earlier in the year mid to end of February. If anyone has a particular interest, please discuss with me.

[David28]

I'd be up for any of the suggestions

[Ian Stedman]

I'm researching a few more ideas, will try a few places out first. I was intrigued by Cliffe Pools RSPB reserve and a few Marinas/buildings elsewhere on the Hoo Peninsula. I'll likely check these sites out after work as they are <10 miles away from Rochester.

I also hope to scout out the Leamouth to Olympic park river walk one weekend, see how accessible it is and making the return journey at the end when tired. I'll take the camera along.

Barrie did suggest Eltham Palace yesterday. I visited in 2020, I would recommend it as it's a splendid example of Art deco design and the ground are nicely kept. It is £15.70 to visit.

If you like Miniature trains, the Welling and District Model Engineering Society open their new layout at Hall Place this May.

[Richard W]

Ian

I have walked around Cliffe Pools a few times, to be honest its not worth going to shoot wild life unless you have a mahoosive lens. Having said that it is a nice walk

[Ian Stedman]

Hi,

I have attached the word document that has all the potential dates for the OPS outings. If you've lost the paper copy or can't make it next week, fill out the first page of the document and email it to:
[e-mail] and I can collate your responses.

Ian

Orpington_Photographic_Society_outings_preferences_2022.docx