National Trust Croome from sky cafe - Capability Brown landscape architect

Fantastic view from the sky cafe at National Trust Croome landscaped by Lanceleot 'Capability' Brown who was baptised 299 years ago on this day 30 August 1716
Croome was Capability Browns first large scale landscape and what a magnificent job he did.

Click image for a larger view

Volunteers Week - a glance at my week

This week 1 - 7 June has been volunteers week, celebrating all the hard work volunteers do for the Trust and other organisations.

As many of you know I am a photographic volunteer for the National Trust at Calke Abbey and today marks the 2nd anniversary of me joining the Trust volunteer team.

Here's what I've been up to this week.

Monday: Started with the announcement I had gained 3rd place for some photographs entered into National Trust volunteer photography competition.

Tuesday: A lunchtime stroll around National Trust Stoneywell and friendly chat over the stone wall with local cows

Wednesday: Today was the day to suit up ready for a Bee Hive inspection with Paul Simpson in the Apple Orchard, he's beekeeper and one of the gardeners at Calke Abbey

Time for a little daisy chain making before the lawnmower had other ideas.

Thursday: A few ladders to climb to have a look at the conservation work currently happening at Staunton Harold Church with Steve Bull, Stonemason. 

After the church onto Calke Abbey for a short meander through the Physic Garden, spotted these baby Blue Tits that look almost ready to fledge and into the Orangery to be stunned by amazing shadows. What nicer place to eat your lunch before going on a Ranger led walk in the afternoon

 

 

Fantastic walk around part of Calke Abbeys estate with Ranger Ben Robinson looking at plant life, here's Twayblade, Speedwell and Henbane then into the Deer pen.

Friday: End of a busy week and supermarket shopping was called for 

Not every week is like this, however this week has been an absolute blast and loved every minute of it, thankyou National Trust for amazing opportunities.

Blooming Great British Vintage Tea Party - Jubilee Special

27.05.12
The sun was shining as I set off to Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, for The Blooming Great British Vintage Tea Party, Jubilee special. I packed my camera, backdrop, props and photo booth for an afternoon of tea, cakes and vintage fun. Music was provided by Ashby Big Band with Lady Ella on vocals, Burlesque dancing from Darkteaser and Jive lessons with Lin Mason, Pin Curls and Pompadours styled hair plus lots of lovely vintage goodies for sale. The event was superbly organised by Louisa Darling.

Susan Guy Photography had an outing with the photo booth. Pick a prop from a selection of glasses, hats, gloves, bags and jackets, then strike a pose in the photo booth.  Several shots were taken and the client selected which to print, waited a couple of minutes for printing and  took home their photo with Jubilee inspired border.
	Details of where to locate alternative or additional copies  are shown on the photo. A spiffing reminder of a simply splendid afternoon
	Delicious homemade cakes

Soaking up the atmosphere