Author Topic: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons  (Read 5290 times)

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« on: May 27, 2016, 10:36:46 AM »
The suggestion keeps coming up of a return to Wales and I was wondering if the eastern Brecon Beacons might be a good venue in the summer.  The border is probably the most interesting area and certainly the most accessible to anyone travelling from the Midlands or from further north/south.

What's to see?  The road from Hay-on-Wye down to Capel-y-Ffin has good views, and continuing on you get to Llanthony Priory and Cwmyoy.  There's also Crickhowell and Tretower in the area.  Google them.

The follow up question is always 'when'.  There are various festivals (perhaps best avoided) like Hay and Brecon, plus other holiday considerations, but if anyone has suggestions lay them down here ready for a later poll.   :)

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2016, 11:44:32 AM »
Sandeha, that is a great idea and Lara and I will, as you know, definitely be up for that - whether as a day out or, more likely, involving an overnight stay to catch the best of late and early light.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2016, 05:40:36 PM »
I'd be up for Llanthony Priory and Cwmyoy. Most weekends are OK for me (usually).
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

irv_b

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,040
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2016, 09:31:45 PM »
Sounds like a good idea Sandeha.

Indofunk

  • Global Moderator
  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,641
    • photog & music
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2016, 11:14:19 PM »
Wow, that's probably the most Welsh city names I've seen in a single sentence :D Can't for the life of me figure out how to pronounce any of them ;D

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #5 on: May 28, 2016, 08:06:20 AM »
Wow, that's probably the most Welsh city names I've seen in a single sentence :D Can't for the life of me figure out how to pronounce any of them ;D

Here's some homework for you Satish. We'll be asking questions later...

http://www.cyclingwales.co.uk/welsh.html
http://www.go4awalk.com/fell-facts/welsh-language-pronunciation.php
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Terry

  • Guest
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #6 on: May 28, 2016, 04:10:09 PM »
Had to pull out the old AA motorists' atlas and have a look at Anglesey.  I recall passing by the Llanfair PG railway station many times on the mail train from Euston, but I was confusing that with Llanfairfechan (not on Anglesey at all of course).  I recall hearing Welsh friends pronouncing the 'll' and it sounding and looking like a thing that happened in the cheek wall and therefore almost impossible for Anglophones (without causing tongue cramps). 

I worked once with a guy named Joe Clancy who translated some or all of Saunders Lewis' work into English.  He was given a prize and brought over the the univesity in Aberystwyth to accept the award, but he didn't speak a word of Welsh.

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #7 on: May 28, 2016, 04:54:58 PM »
Although I'm English, my parents moved to Ruthin (north Wales) when I was about 18 months old.  We lived there until I was 9 or 10 and my school and my friends were Welsh language speakers and so I spoke Welsh at school but English at home.  I loved my time in Wales but, although some words are familiar, I'm now 55 and couldn't converse or read the language.  I hope those who speak it, keep it alive as it would be a shame to lose that diversity.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #8 on: June 02, 2016, 01:42:09 PM »
The suggestion keeps coming up of a return to Wales and I was wondering if the eastern Brecon Beacons might be a good venue in the summer.  The border is probably the most interesting area and certainly the most accessible to anyone travelling from the Midlands or from further north/south.

What's to see?  The road from Hay-on-Wye down to Capel-y-Ffin has good views, and continuing on you get to Llanthony Priory and Cwmyoy.  There's also Crickhowell and Tretower in the area.  Google them.

The follow up question is always 'when'.  There are various festivals (perhaps best avoided) like Hay and Brecon, plus other holiday considerations, but if anyone has suggestions lay them down here ready for a later poll.   :)

Sandeha,

The best time seems to be July (couldn't find any reference to a major festival on Google) and August (up to the week commencing 15th as that's when the Green Man festival kicks off).

Subject to Lara's work situation resolving itself (positively) I'm thinking late July (23/24 or 30/31) would suit us best.  We may well do it one of those dates anyway - even if we can't manage the date chosen by the consensus - as I'd love to wander round somewhere I haven't been for many, many years.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2016, 06:23:08 PM »
I have a potential issue with the 23rd as I'll be away that week and may not get back until the 23rd. 24th should be OK. Following weekend is OK.
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2016, 08:39:40 PM »
30/31 July is good for me. 

But I'm also open to plenty other dates if more folks show an interest but have other preferences.

irv_b

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,040
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #11 on: June 06, 2016, 07:50:54 PM »
I'm abroad from the 23/24th july to the w/e of the 7th aug so I wont be able to join in with you guys.

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #12 on: June 10, 2016, 06:41:55 AM »
BUMP!
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #13 on: June 10, 2016, 08:32:05 AM »
Well bumped, Peter - easy to lose sight of this as July approaches.

We're still okay for last two weekends in July and first weekend in August but will need to book accommodation soon as likely to get scarce and this isn't an easy day round trip for us.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #14 on: June 10, 2016, 10:01:36 AM »
Just thought I'd bump it to see if there's any other interest. If not, maybe we should fix the date.

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Ed Wenn

  • Global Moderator
  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,300
  • Slowly getting back into it. Sometimes.
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #15 on: June 14, 2016, 02:55:00 PM »
Sorry all, I should have pinned this a couple of weeks ago. Done now though.

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #16 on: June 14, 2016, 03:19:24 PM »
That's nice, Ed.  T'would be good to attract a bit of a crowd to the area.  There's a whole summer to consider.   ;)

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #17 on: June 20, 2016, 04:54:47 PM »
Mrs R and I were thinking of combining this with something else and, to that end, we need to fix a date. 30/31 July would still be best for us.
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #18 on: June 25, 2016, 05:23:10 PM »
As it's July next week, shall we go for weekend 30/31 July? At least some chance of booking an overnighter if we do.....
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #19 on: June 26, 2016, 06:46:15 PM »
It's good for me.

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #20 on: June 26, 2016, 09:42:49 PM »
Looks like it might be a small party but let's settle on that weekend. Saturday is best for me but could do either day. Any preferences?
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #21 on: June 27, 2016, 02:05:40 PM »
Peter / Sandeha,

I've just booked accommodation for the evening of Saturday 31st July as Lara and I will be making a weekend of it.  It's about a 4-5 hour drive from where we live, so we can be there by breakfast time on Saturday to make a full day of it.  Sunday's a possible - but we'd need to head off teatime at latest as we're back in work on Monday. 

We're staying a few miles from Abergavenny.  If possible, can we find somewhere that's a reasonably easy (valley or riverside?) walk as my knees aren't up to anything too strenuous - especially as I'll probably have the Tutone and a Hasselblad in the bag.

Cheers, Paul and Lara.

"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #22 on: June 27, 2016, 09:40:58 PM »
Saturday sounds good - with the proviso that the weather behaves properly.  ;)

irv_b

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,040
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #23 on: June 28, 2016, 08:26:44 PM »
Sorry I'm going to miss out on this but I'll be sunning it up on the beaches of Barbados for our 25th wedding anniversary. I'm sure you'll get some good shots and I'll look forward to the next meetup.

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #24 on: June 28, 2016, 08:40:16 PM »
We've had to change our plans but I still intend to be there. Mrs R maybe as well.

Where/when are we meeting? We won't be there at the crack of dawn - more like mid morning - so we'll catch up with you if you meet earlier. Main place I'm interested in Llanthony.
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #25 on: June 30, 2016, 08:39:45 AM »
We've had to change our plans but I still intend to be there. Mrs R maybe as well.

Where/when are we meeting? We won't be there at the crack of dawn - more like mid morning - so we'll catch up with you if you meet earlier. Main place I'm interested in Llanthony.

We're staying a few miles south of Llanthony.  How about we meet at Llanthony Priory about 10:30?  Just a suggestion and happy to meet wherever if a more suitable place is available.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #26 on: June 30, 2016, 10:13:01 AM »
Sounds OK to me.

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #27 on: June 30, 2016, 12:04:34 PM »
Saturday 30th, 10.30 at Llanthony Priory.  In the diary.

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #28 on: July 01, 2016, 12:08:35 PM »
Saturday 30th, 10.30 at Llanthony Priory.  In the diary.

Thanks Sandeha and Peter - we're really looking forward to meeting up again. 

PS - to all other FWers, this is still an open invitation.  If you can be at the appointed place / hour, the more the merrier.....
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #29 on: July 25, 2016, 03:15:57 PM »
Just bumping this one in case anyone had discovered they have a free Saturday, this Saturday, (30th July) and fancied a gentle meandering photo-walk in the Brecon Beacons - meeting at Llanthony Priory about 10:00 - 10:30

If so, please contact Sandeha Lynch, PeterR and/or myself to let us know you'll be there.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #30 on: July 30, 2016, 07:06:31 PM »
That was a seriously good and productive day out. 

Just a few more shots to take on each roll before dev time, but hopefully I can use tomorrow's sunshine.

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #31 on: August 01, 2016, 08:01:39 AM »
A really lovely day / weekend out in a stunningly beautiful part of the world.  However, the very best thing was meeting up with Peter and his wife and, of course, Sandeha.  Sandeha's knowledge of the area was invaluable to give us options to see some superb viewpoints and fascinating corners of the Black Mountains.

I can't wait to get the photos processed.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #32 on: August 02, 2016, 09:03:21 PM »
A really lovely day / weekend out in a stunningly beautiful part of the world.  However, the very best thing was meeting up with Peter and his wife and, of course, Sandeha.  Sandeha's knowledge of the area was invaluable to give us options to see some superb viewpoints and fascinating corners of the Black Mountains.

I can't wait to get the photos processed.

Yes, good to meet up again. Forest of Dean next?
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #33 on: August 03, 2016, 12:40:49 PM »
A really lovely day / weekend out in a stunningly beautiful part of the world.  However, the very best thing was meeting up with Peter and his wife and, of course, Sandeha.  Sandeha's knowledge of the area was invaluable to give us options to see some superb viewpoints and fascinating corners of the Black Mountains.

I can't wait to get the photos processed.

Yes, good to meet up again. Forest of Dean next?

Forest of Dean sounds great to me.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Sandeha Lynch

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,669
    • Visual Records
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #34 on: August 03, 2016, 01:56:58 PM »
Perhaps when the trees are turning?

Late Developer

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,033
    • My Website
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #35 on: August 03, 2016, 02:57:46 PM »
Perhaps when the trees are turning?

Great idea. Needs a bit of planning to get the timing right, though. Sometime in October?
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Pete_R

  • Self-Coat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,149
    • Contax 139 Resource
Re: FW meet in the Brecon Beacons
« Reply #36 on: August 03, 2016, 08:32:24 PM »
That's what I was thinking. I couldn't do it before October anyway. I'll start a new thread shortly.
"I've been loading films into spirals for so many years I can almost do it with my eyes shut."