#MerseyMeetUp V2.0
Well we all met up on 26th May, 2018 at the home of the Liverpool Botanical Collection – The Palm House in Sefton Park. While we there the Palm House was being set up for a wedding reception, and we were allowed to have a nosy round inside before the guests arrived, it felt a bit intrusive, but it was great to see how it could be utilised in that way, with fancy balloons and table place settings, it looked very impressive. Outside there was a Peter Pan statue plus other statues and flowers to get the shooting off to a good start, plus it gave us something to do while waiting for the stragglers to arrive!
Once we were all assembled (looking nothing like the Avengers) we headed down to the lake and the Bandstand to take some more photos – the Bandstand is said to be the inspiration for Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band by the way – it was at this point that Rachel broke out her microphone to start recording for the Sunny Sixteen Podcast, and did a great interview with Steve Wales – check out Sunny Sixteen Podcast Episode 102!
Not far away was the Eros Fountain, another target for our photography, and in particular it was great to see Tony shooting the two box cameras he brought, a box Ensign and a Zeiss Box Tengor.
Starting to feel the need for refreshment already we headed to the Lakeside Cafe for tea, ice cream and the like, plus another chance for Rachel to lay down some thoughts from the group for the podcast. PLUS a real bonus here Hilary had brought some homemade chocolate brownies, they were scrumptious, a big thank you to Hilary very kind, and a nomination for GBBO from me!
Refreshed we walked to the lovely Fairy Glen, and were pleased to find a piece of ‘‘Love’ graffiti by Love artGlobal, a local ex-serviceman and PTSD sufferer who does a fantastic job campaigning for mental health services. Shortly after this point we had to say goodbye to Rachel, things to do, places to be, busy as ever!
However we were undaunted and we pressed on and passing the old Aviary viewing point (now defunct) we found Old Nicks Caves at the north end of the park, the caves themselves are barred so nobody can get in, but some local children somehow fathomed a way in and were enjoying having a run round inside, I had a go myself, to no avail, let’s just say I need to go on a diet!
Crossing the road another photo opportunity presented itself, a Fun Fair had set up with candy floss, hook-a-duck and rides, a great time to have some Ektar at the ready!
Finished with the Fun Fair it was time to find some refreshments in nearby Lark Lane, an old haunt of mine back in the 70’s-80s, I particularly remember drinking Bulgarian Bulls Blood in Keith’s Wine Bar, still going! However I digress, we found The Milo Lounge with a nice beer garden in the back to sit down, relax and take in the rays, while contemplating a small football match that was to take place that evening in Kiev….
It was a great day out, the weather was with us, and it was a nice change from the city on our last #MerseyMeetUp. As ever the talk was non-stop and all about the film photography in all its forms, and it was so nice to keep in touch in person with all those friends from the Twittersphere and Insta, looking forward to #MerseyMeetUp v3.0 October 2018 🙂
The cameras that turned up included: Voigtlander Vito B; Nikon F4; Nikon FM2N; Pentax MX; Pentax S1a; Pentax 67; Pentax 645N; Minolta XDS; Box Ensign; Zeiss Box Tengor; Polaroids (various); Leica M6
Films: Kodak Ektar and TX, Ilford PanF+ and FP4+ plus plus more
The cameras kindly brought their owners with them too ! @rebrewster; @aitchclarke; @MurphysFilm; @AS0151; @SteveWalesPhoto; @Boris_6x6; @Stig_Ofthedump
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