In person talks resume
WITH effect from November 1, members of Sileby Photographic Society
resumed their face-to-face meetings when it fell to Mandy Sherrington, one of the Society’s long-standing members, to ‘test the water’ when she presented digital images entitled ‘Serendib 2019’.
The meeting was held in the Society’s new temporary home, St. Mary’s Centre on Mountsorrel Lane, which offered excellent facilities when taking into account safety measures in place and considered appropriate during the current Covid pandemic.
Serendib, an old Persian name for Sri Lanka, was where Mandy and Colin spent an active holiday in 2019. They flew to Colombo, the capital city on the west coast, where they linked up with their own guide and own driver for the duration.
Negombo, their first port of call, provided a gentle introduction to Sri Lanka. Lovely beaches with plenty of fishing boats ready to venture out to sea in search of their daily catch and eventual preparation for sale on the market. A boat trip on the canal enabled them to see the sights and their first glimpse of the endemic wildlife.
Next stop was Sigiriya, the first of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites they visited, and famous for its archaeological and historical significance. Images shown captured the magnificence of the ancient rock fortress, described as a ‘city on top of a rock’ .
On to Polonnaruwa where stunning images had been captured on camera of the many temples and religious buildings which contained impressive sculptures and ornate carvings within the stone.
Mandy and Colin also visited Minneriya, a National Park, and known for its incredible elephant migration. Family groups of these animals dominated the camera lens, with baby elephants having particular appeal under the watchful guidance of mum and dad. A selection of wildlife images, flora and fauna completed the set.
The Golden Temple of Dambulla was on the ‘not to be missed’ list and for good reason. Images of the golden sculptures adorned with elaborate dress within the Hindu temple were stunning.
Kandy, a sacred city in central Sri Lanka, and famous for its Buddhist sites, contained many ancient temples and colonial architecture, amongst beautiful gardens and the famous Kandy Lake.
A 4-hour train ride on the scenic Hill Railway from Kandy to Ella provided great images whilst occupying the rear carriage with unobstructed views. Ella had a rural theme with delightful images of the locals at work amongst the tea plantations. Tumbling waterfalls and streams, together with colourful towns, completed a very picturesque rail journey.
The National Park of Udawalawe was created to provide sanctuary for wild animals and it did just that. An excellent bird watching site and home for the many species occupying space in that part of the world. Elephants, water buffalo, baboons, crocodiles, reptiles and fish were catered for in abundance, and made for great images.
The old town of Galle, and a city on the south west coast, was their final destination, and images were shown of the Dutch Reformed Church, and the unmissable Galle Lighthouse, amongst other eye-catching buildings in the vicinity.
John Hoogerwerf, President, thanked Mandy for an enjoyable evening of great photography covering a variety of interesting subjects.
The next meeting (presented on Zoom) will be held on Monday, November 15, when the 4th round of the Quarterly Competition will take place, the judge on this occasion being Robert Falconer.
Anyone wishing to become a member of Sileby Photographic Society should visit its comprehensive website, https://silebyps.org. uk where further information can be obtained.