It was a fitting end to yet another successful year for Royston Photographic Society when the group set off on a field trip to Essex to take photos of a brilliant display of rare orchids growing at an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve near Thaxted.
The group went through a major change at the annual AGM at which members elected a new chairman, Graeme Carroll, who takes over from the outgoing chair Steve Malcolm, to work alongside club vice-chair Sarah Ryan.
A dozen members were guided around the former orchard by retired police wildlife crime officer Barry Kaufmann-Wright.
He showed them a host of Bee, Pyramidal, Spotted, Marsh and Twayblade Orchids.
Barry, who is a larger-than-life author and natural history photographer, gave a fascinating insight and many humorous anecdotes about his role as a volunteer protecting the rare plants.
Royston Photographic Society member David Hatton said: “We had to tread very carefully as, when faced with a profusion of plants, it would be all too easy to kneel on and squash our intended quarry while photographing them, not something warden Barry would want.”
David would encourage anyone interested to check out the club, which is open to people of a range of photographic abilities.
He said: “RPS is a very friendly club catering for members with all levels of experience and kit, ranging from mobiles to high-end SLRs.
“It has numerous interesting talks from invited speakers, organized by our dedicated programme secretary, Bob Coote.
“There are plenty of opportunities for members to submit images for regular competitions, both print and projected, that are optional for members to participate in.
“It’s fun and you just never know what the judges are going to say about your work.”
The society meets in Icknield Walk First School, Poplar Drive, in term time.
You can find out more details at www.roystonphotographicsociety.co.uk.
Alternatively, people can question members attending the society’s forthcoming ambitious Illumination display to be held upstairs at Royston Town Hall in Melbourn Street during the Royston Arts Festival, on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September.
Last year the club welcomed more than 528 visitors and sold 12 images to the public.
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