Volumes from Verulamium - 2.0 » birthday

Tiger, tiger, burning bright

Richard — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:35:13 +0000

Click on the picture to see it large – it really is worth it!

A great day out at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation care of Chris Weston Wildlife Photography. And of course of my lovely wife who bought the day for me as a birthday present!

The WHF isn’t open to the general public; they do, however, open up to small groups of photographers. This makes funds for their conservation work; there’s no merit in us aggravating the animals because they’d just hide away from the camera; so it’s win all round.

As a result, you can get far closer than you would ever get to big cats in a zoo – they let you inside the barrier so you’re right up against the fence – being careful to watch out for a paw reaching through to snag you or your camera… We saw (and shot) lions, tigers, Amur leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, pallas cats, pumas and a lynx! The day started with a few of the cats, then lunch, more cats, and tea. Then, in the wonderful early evening light, we had time to wander round on our own to catch whatever we wanted rather than being in a group of fifteen photographers – great light, not tripping over each other, but with the background to know what you’re doing let us get some great shooting opportunities.

Our instructor (in this case Chris’s colleague Pete Watmough) was there to give advice when needed, but didn’t poke his nose in when it wasn’t; in my case, a few helpful suggestions about catching a cat in motion and some great observations about the cat’s characters, which is vital to spot their behaviour and hence catch them well.

More to come just as soon as I can get the rest of the pictures processed to a suitable standard…

Birthday bliss – Part 2

Richard — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:14:16 +0000

Saturday was time for part 2 of the birthday celebrations. We met up with some of my pals for an evening at Cosa Nostra. As ever, the food was great, the atmosphere relaxed (you never seem to be waiting too long for your food, yet you never seem rushed either) and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Oh, and they also were happy to let Sarah bring my surprise cake for us to have as desert, rather than having theirs. Yes, my lovely wife had used the time I was away in Brussels to make a scrummy chocolaty fudgy cake which we all tucked into after our pizza or pasta. I am so lucky!

Birthday bliss- Part 1

Richard — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:42:24 +0000

Wednesday was my birthday, but online time has been limited since then owing to a trip to Brussels and busy busy busy at work.

The day started rather early with the alarm at 0550 (the normal time!) but we did catch a train about 15 minutes later than our normal one – because that meant time to open… presents!

I have been spoilt rotten! Mum and Dad have got me some vouchers and a chopping board that folds (which I really really wanted!) and a mystery present. Phoebe got me a T-shirt and a Wii game. And Sarah spoilt me with a photography day (which I knew about – watch out for the pictures in March) and a pasta maker (which I didn’t!)

After a day at work, it was off to for a quick pre-theatre pub supper, then…

Oliver!

What a show! The stage at Drury Lane is larger than many; they’ve used it very well to fill it with wonderful scenery, a company of eighty actors and superb choreography. Such good tunes as well, and a story that has clearly stood the test of time. Oh, and of course Rowan Atkinson. Who steals the show. And is a truly sinister Fagin, ably supported by Burn ‘Torchwood’ Gorman, Tasmin ‘I wasn’t the BBC competition winner but that’s cos I’m already a professional who’s done it before’ Carroll, a great Oliver and an Artful Dodger with perfect comic timing. Go and see it. Several times if you can. You’ll come out feeling so much better with the world!