Friends of Calverley Grounds Spring 2013

FRIENDS OF CALVERLEY GROUNDS SPRING 2013

Issue 2

FRIENDS OF CALVERLEY GROUNDS Spring 2013 PAT SEXTON RECEIVES HIS PRIZE FROM FOCG CHAIRMAN, JIM KEDGE

ISSUE NUMBER 2

WINTER WONDERLAND SUCCESS

by Jim Kedge, chairman FoCG

The winners received tokens from Jim Kedge.

Andy Hutchison (above) took advantage of the flood with his night-time image (below) Winning photo by Pat Sexton (above) More than 40 entrants submitted over 50 photographs to be judged in our 'Winter Wonderland' competition which ran through December and January. Not surprisingly many were of the ice rink itself with its attractive lighting while others were of January's snow covered landscapes around Calverley Grounds and Tunbridge Wells.

Ten-year old Lauren Grant (below) scooped the under 16’s prize for her sledging scene.

FRIENDS OF CALVERLEY GROUNDS SPRING 2013 | Issue 2

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'Judging was challenging but fun', said our judge Colin Steadman. 'I took the idea of a 'wonderland' from the competition title as my first criterion. I was looking for something in the composition that made me look twice something that generated a sense of wonder or mystery. Secondly, I looked at the use of light, both natural and artificial - the key to successful landscape photography.’

The two winners of our adult competition both met these criteria in spectacular fashion. Pat Sexton's ethereal shot used the natural diffused light from the moon shining through and on the low clouds to contrast with the sharper image of the artificially illuminated fir tree. A magical composition! Andy Hutchison's carefully crafted entry took advantage of the seasonal lake in the park to capture almost perfect reflections. 'Which way up is the right one?

Lauren Grant was the under 16 competition winner. She captured a solitary sledge on the usually very crowded slopes. 'It was a mystery where all the others were! You must have got up very early for this one Lauren, well done.’

be provided. No horticultural knowledge required!

If you are willing and able to join us on Saturday 13 April, please let Sue Daniels know as soon as possible (whitequeen1@btinternet.com) so she can order in sufficient tools. It should be fun.

Time to stir your stumps!

Spring has officially sprung and the Friends of Calverley Grounds are mobilising to smarten up the Dowding Memorial flower bed near the main entrance to the park.

On Sunday 17 March a group of volunteers cleared out all the old shrubs and vegetation.

We are now looking for further volunteers to help plant up the new bed on Saturday 13 April from 10am to 3pm.

This will be to a scheme devised by Peter Every of the Parks Department in consultation with us.

This will be an enjoyable horticultural activity and provide a lasting legacy for all users of Calverley Grounds. Tools will

The Dowding Memorial when it was first opened (above) and now after a water pipe was laid through it (left).

Time for a makeover!

GROW YOUR OWN FoCG has signed up for the In Your Neighbourhood aspect of this year’s Britain In Bloom competition Its theme “edible Britain”. A high degree of community involvement is expected and over the coming months we will be organising more events that we hope will encourage local people to join in. Free seeds will th be available on Saturday 13 April to those keen to grow herbs/vegetables at home and then to bring the seedlings along for planting near the café in special planters in May.

FOCG – WHO ARE WE? Chairman – Jim Kedge (521787) jimkedge@blueyonder.co.uk Vice Chairman – Nick Pope nicholas.pope@yahoo.com Secretary – Jane Fenwick fenwickjane@yahoo.com Treasurer – Lisa Grant chavassier28@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/FriendsOfCalv erleyGrounds Twitter: @FoCGTunWells