Click here to see the complete photograph Lifeguard On Duty by Andreas Klatt
Wednesday 4th July featured a presentation by members who had been on the society’s first field trip to the dramatic Dorset Jurassic Coast, titled “A mile on the flat”.
The group of 10 plus the organiser, Robert Harvey, spent 3 full days last December coping with very early mornings and late evenings to capture the sunrise and sunset effects only possible at these locations a few times during the whole year. They were not disappointed, as the weather, although very cold, produced many special images.
Images started with Durdle Door and its magnificent arch framing perfectly the rising sun, and others with the sea gently breaking on the shore line. Durdle Door is now a world heritage site. From here the group moved on to Kimmeridge Bay & Clavell Tower. The bay is known for its Bituminous shale that makes for a great alternative colour to normal sand and the wave platform a low and long rock feature that had our group slipping and sliding about to get the best shots. On top of the cliff to the east is the attractive Clavell Tower, which in recent years had to be moved away from the cliff edge. Day one concluded at “Man of War” bay, another famous and picturesque place close to Durdle Door.
Day two began at “Old Harry Rocks” and the pinnacles. Freezing cold, but rewarded with a good sunrise. Back for breakfast and then off to Warbarrow Bay and its wonderful broad and sweeping beach.
We visited Tyneham village, now a ghost town, following its compulsory purchase by the War Office during the second world war. Among the various buildings there is a K1 1929 telephone box, significant in that very few now exist and this one is a replica after a film crew destroyed the original. From here to Chapmans Pool, which is actually a bay, but the light was poor, so not good for keen photographers.
Day 3, An early rise to be at Corfe Castle and another steep climb on a hill to the west of the castle, rewarded with some special images of Corfe. Finally to Swanage and its two piers of 1858 and then 40 years later where some particularly atmospheric and original images were captured.
By this time everyone was weary, but extremely happy, from the many “miles on the flat”, travelled along this great stretch of coast.
Great time had by all.
Martyn Pearse ADDPS.