Bodacious The Cat Shepherd

It's not every day you get to meet celebrities but recently, I finally made my acquaintance with a fabulous feline, who is a veritable star within the Facebook and Twitter communities. With several thousand followers and his own website, Bodacious the Cat Shepherd is, well, a cat who, along with his human, oversees a flock of the wonderful rare breed Zwartbles sheep in beautiful rural Ireland.

I first got to know about Bodacious when some years ago, I linked with his human on Twitter, but that is a story for another blog post. Instantly, his character appealed. What with that 'take me seriously or else' look, this fluffy cat had a way of captivating his audience whilst giving the low-down on the daily sheepy activities. Forget the A-list celebs social media tantrums - this is a C-list celeb who has also been known to tweet a strop or two when he hasn't had his daily fresh egg.

It was a beautiful early autumn day when I visited the Kilkenny farm, and whilst I was initially greeted by some wonderful canines, I wondered when Bodacious might deign to put in an appearance for this English human. We had probably wandered the farm for around an hour and a half before his human said "There he is" pointing to a corner of the farmyard from the far side of the field we were in. Suddenly a little flutter of excitement ran through me (Yes! I know, for a cat!) As we walked over, he put on the typical 'look-at-meee' greeting...for his human, it certainly wasn't for me!

Knowing that I was keen to capture a few shots of this big little star, his human paid a quick visit to the hen house and returned with a handful of fresh eggs.

Oh yes! His eggs and didn't he make it known he wanted...

Up on his hind legs with a loud meeow - give me!

However, it wasn't yet time for his treat, as there was a photo shoot to do first. And for once he wasn't going to be the centre of attention as this photo shoot was to be for his human. I'm not sure if he appreciated me engaging with his human for this time, when really, all he wanted was his egg.

The photo shoot completed, his human invited me back to the cosy farmhouse kitchen for a welcome bowl of soup, heated up by the Aga. On one of the counter tops, and looking even more cosy was Bodacious's fellow feline Marley, snuggled into a special cat-sized Zwartbles blanket. She looked really happy and content and quietly rested whilst we enjoyed the soup and a chat.

However, we had not long finished when Bodacious hopped up onto the kitchen chair and gave me the kind of hard stare as if to say "You are distracting my human from giving me my egg"

Oh dear!!
It still wasn't time for his treat as now it was time to go and feed the Zwartbles rams in the orchard.

Here, we met Ovenmitt, the third feline resident, along with Bear, a lovely and very lively young dog. It was a case of hey guys, time for a family portrait...if you would just stay still for a moment please Bear!

Ovenmitt is quite used to having his picture taken and even has a trick...

Feed time over and we made our way back to the kitchen where Marley was still resting in her Zwartbles blanket.

Sadly, it was time for me to leave and I had had a purrfectly wonderful afternoon with Bodacious the Cat Shepherd, his human and all the wonderful animals that lived in this beautiful corner of Ireland. I was delighted to come away with lovely memories, and a bag of my favourite Worcester Permain apples picked fresh from the tree - delicious!

And finally, his patience would be rewarded. Bodacious could have his delicious egg.

My thanks to Suzanna for her hospitality and a wonderful afternoon.

May Day Morris Dancing

This morning the alarm was set for before dawn, to ensure we arrived at Wandlebury, just outside Cambridge, in time to see the dawn Morris Dancing by the Devil's Dyke Morris Men on this May Day morning. The day when tradition has it to roll in the dewy grass, although today the dew was of the white crunch variety.

(This is the holding page to ensure a 1st May date on the blog post and whilst the rest of the edit is completed in between a full weekend of assignments. Do come back later for the full set of images)

Reportage Roundup - March

Saturday 19th March

Chris Baker - founder of B.R.A.V.E

March roared in like a lion with over 300 motorbikes joining 'The Bomb Run' charity ride from Coggeshall to Carver Barracks in Wimbish, to raise funds for B.R.A.V.E.  Bikers Respect All Veterans Equally
Chris Baker, a former Royal Engineer, who became paralysed after suffering injuries when his military vehicle was hit by an IED, founded the organisation which raises funds to be shared around various military charities.

The ride was led by Chris on his special Harley trike, and riders from all over the region roared onto the windswept airfield behind him for a group photograph in front of some of the military vehicles stationed at the barracks.

Give us a wave! Just some of the bikers for the group photograph.

The all-important charity patch, to sew onto the riders cut-offs.

______________________

Saturday 19th March

Follow the instructions for the treasure hunt.

By contrast, the gentle pastime of an Easter Treasure hunt, took place at Thaxted URC, where children were given a booklet of clues, to help their in search for letters hidden around the church. Once these had been collected and re-arranged to form an Easter greeting, families were invited to sit back and enjoy tea and cakes in the newly opened-up community space within the church.
View the gallery

Hunt the letters.

Cakes and organ pipes. The new community space opened up after removal of pews.

______________________

Saturday 26th March

Hunt the bunny - hiding in the pak choi bed.

Continuing in the treasure hunt theme, Saffron Walden County High School Farm Club held their open day on a cold and dreary Easter Eve. This didn't deter masses of families arriving for the indoor barn activities, in an attempt to dodge the unpredictable weather. Once again, clues were provided to guide the young visitors to the hiding bunnies.

All the usual farm animals were there for visitors to become acquainted with - Dexter cattle, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, ferrets...
There was some reserve when encountering this constantly wriggling mustelids but thankfully all children went home with all of their fingers, although the farm club crew-member had nicely scratched hands (and a smelly sweatshirt!) Despite their odorous faults, I do have rather a soft spot for ferrets myself.

View the gallery

"If I stroke it, will I keep my fingers?!"

Am I pretty or what?!

______________________

Monday 28th March

Sponsor a duck.

From furry wrigglers to yellow swimmers. Easter Monday brought the crowds out for the 1st Rayne Scouts annual duck race. These quackers, some of them veterans of many races, were assigned to hopeful custodians and over 1,000 ducks were released into a fast flowing River Brain. Storm Katie had just passed through and so the trailing wind helped to rush the bobbing bath-mates along to the finish in swift time, with the crowds keenly following on alongside the river bank.

View the gallery

Under starters orders. Over 1,000 yellow ducks waiting to float away.

Crossing the finish line - come in no.1000, you are the winner.

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As March came in like a lion, so it had to go out like a lamb, and just to oblige, one of the four-week-old farm club lambs provided a cheeky baa!

 

Iceland - Landscapes

Icelandic horses on the plains to the east of Reykjavik

I'm not going to say much about this series of landscape images from my recent visit to Iceland, only I hope you enjoy them and maybe it will whet your appetite to visit this land of stunning contrasts too. Several of these shots were taken on the move in an attempt to capture the images I would have so loved to have spent a little more time setting up. This is part of the frustrations of being a photographer with someone else in charge of the driving - be it in a jeep or a 56 seater coach. So I guess this visit I have treated as the 'city bus tour' to get the taster of where I would like to return to, and next time I will ensure that I am more in control of the wheels that are getting me around.
I weep at all the stunning missed shots during the 4 days but I'm delighted I was able to capture some images to remind me of this amazing place.

Rainbow over the snowfields on the way to the Langjokull glacier

View from Þingvellir across Þingvallavatn

The Sólheimajökull glacier

The church at Þingvellir

The church at Vik

The stack rocks as seen from Vik

The sea stack and black basalt sand at Reynisfjara

And of course, everyone was asking "Did you see the aurora?"
Well, yes we did but...

On our third evening, following a period of snowfall, we went way out of Reykjavic up into the National Park. However, it wasn't far enough to be able to exclude the lights of the city, being reflected in the low cloud. Coupled with the fact we only had a 10-15 minute 'light show' it was a challenge to commit anything to the memory card. In fact, I only managed to capture three images that night which were worth giving a second look. Considering I had hired a lens specifically suitable for photographing the aurora, it made the (not so spectacular) image below rather a valuable shot!

We found out later, that the aurora kicked off a couple of hours after we had returned to the city, and was also spectacular the following evening when we opted for an early night in readiness for our flight back to the UK next morning.

Being a wildlife photographer too, I understand more than most that you can't just 'turn up and see' any natural happening such as this. It is all down to a series of conditions all aligning and then being in the right place at that time. So despite being a little disappointed with my first ever sighting of the aurora, I remain philosophical that this won't be the first and last, and as always, strive to improve image on image...but I do have a record shot. That will suffice for now, until I return to Iceland for a complete photography indulgence.

Anyone up for a visit to Iceland?!!

Photography Weekends

Well, it has been a quiet week in terms of my blog following the daily postings during my August Challenge. (Thank you for all your support there) However, I haven't posted anything here as I have been busy with not only the usual shoots for clients but preparing for and launching a show in Design Essentials for the month of September. (More on that in another post) But there is one more thing I have been busy with - preparing to open my West Cork doors for Photography Weekends.

As many of you know, I am fortunate to be able to divide my time between life in East Anglia and escaping to West Cork. I have also had many of you comment on how lovely it looks and how much you too would love to visit. Well now I'm offering you the opportunity to do just that!

For three weekends during October, I will be hosting exclusive three night photographic breaks for beginners and improvers in a home from home environment. Group sizes are limited to four and will be fully escorted and inclusive. There will be opportunities to try many different aspects of photography whilst enjoying a holiday in this beautiful part of Ireland. The highlight of the weekend will be a trip out whale watching (weather permitting) with Cork Whale Watch, just as the season for cetacean activity is approaching its peak.

The long weekends run from Saturday to Tuesday on the following dates:

SB01 Saturday 11th — Tuesday 14th October 2014

SB02 Saturday 18th — Tuesday 21st October 2014

SB03 Saturday 25th — Tuesday 28th October 2014

NOTE: weekend two is now sold out, there is availability on weekend three and limited availability on weekend one.

For more details, go to my website and look for West Cork Photography Weekends in the Photo Courses section. If you would like to book, I recommend you don't hang about as interest has been keen since I first mentioned I would be offering these breaks and there are limited places. If however you won't be able to make it at short notice, then don't worry - I'm planning to expand the selection of breaks in the Spring and run similar breaks next Autumn (although they won't be at the same special introductory price next year!)

Only £475.00 per person*

Don't delay! Book today, or share this post with anyone you think would love this special opportunity.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Day 22 - August Challenge 14

Challenge - "Composite of land to be lost"

Suggested by - Simon via blog

"How about a composite photo of the open farmland to the east of Saffron Walden soon to be despoiled by unsustainable development, thanks to the combined efforts of our elected representatives and planners at Uttlesford District Council.

Possibly not your greatest challenge, but at least, it will provide a record of what we have lost for ever."


When I throw out the request for challenges for me to take on, I make it my policy to try not to reject any suggestion, unless it is clearly isn't within the brief. I will never reject on the grounds it might be difficult, but being difficult doesn't just relate to the execution of it, (and this one was going to be a bit difficult) it can also be due to the subject matter itself. When this one popped up, I knew it would be one that could be emotive amongst my potential viewers. I wasn't going to reject it on those grounds, as it would just amount to a form of censoring. I would prefer to allow everyone their view, whilst I merely provide an impartial backdrop to it. So maybe this post could be seen as failing the challenge - I will accept that but equally, hope you will understand.

Nationally, the housing shortage is creating quite a stir and equally, proposed developments to resolve the problem are proving just as contentious. Saffron Walden is not immune to this and I will leave you, the reader, to Google the comings and goings of the matter, as there is much available.

Following a short shower of rain this evening, I took myself to the area in question to capture just a snippet of the farmland spoken of, and reflected on the need for housing and the potential loss of greenbelt. Never an easy task. I thought of how the town has has already enlarged and filled so many building spaces in the 30 or so years I have lived here. Towns will always have a changing face. However, what needs to be carefully thought through is whether the final decision is for the good of the people and the town as a whole. Those in the determining roles are charged with making such decisions, and we and future generations will have to live with it. In that case, we can only hope it is all considered carefully and with understanding.

As I watched the sun go down over both old and new housing areas in this corner of town I just thought how fortunate I was to live in a lovely part of the country.

Today's image and all the other images from my August Challenge will be on display in Design Essentials during September

Tomorrow, Day 23

Will be drawn from a selection in the morning

Day 20 - August Challenge 14

Challenge - "Uttlesford wildlife"

Suggested by - Ca via Facebook

Those of you who regularly follow my blog will realise that this challenge would mean I would be able to indulge in the one thing I'm really passionate about - wildlife. Sadly, work has got in the way of this pleasure of late and I haven't been able to go out and spend the time in the field or blog about it. (Wouldn't it be lovely if I could combine work and pleasure here? Where are those commissioning editors who need wildlife shots and articles?!!) ...I digress. So with all the wonderful wildlife there is around in Uttlesford, how could I show it all here in one go? Simply, I can't but I can recommend catching up with The Essex Wildlife Trust which aims to protect all wildlife for the future and also covers the Uttlesford corner of the county.

So here today, I select one particular aspect of local wildlife that is dear to my heart (excuse the pun).

For a number of years now, I have been watching a particular herd of fallow deer not too far from my home. It usually involves arriving at my hide location in the hours of darkness and waiting for the dawn activity to begin. I have watched the coming, and sadly the going of the splendid white buck and usually caught the annual rutting activities. Many hours I have sat silently in the chill of the morning, waiting for some spectacular activity that would allow equally spectacular shots (actually, I'm still waiting for those). As with any wildlife photography, it takes time, patience and dedication to reap the rewards with a stunning photograph, unless being lucky just happens to gift a stunner to someone who may have a camera with them. It is possible to get some cracking shots of deer in the public parkland setting, and yes, I have done that but I'm more interested in the shy and elusive deer. They are much more of a challenge to me.

By following this particular local herd, I have got to know where their deer paths run and where their scrapes and rutting stands are. This means that my hide can stay in the one spot, although I'm seriously contemplating hiring a stonking 600mm for the approaching rutting season, just to gain a bit of distance without encroaching on their territory. It actually won't be very long before rutting kicks off though. Indeed, for the challenge this morning, I was watching as two sub-three-year-old bucks were testing their prowess with their single pronged antlers, in what would probably be their last season with the maternal herd. However, I didn't spy the big daddy of them all who is yet to start rounding up his group of ladies. This year, I am going to start the rut watch much earlier than previous years, to ensure I don't miss a trick. The weather plays a big part with the start, the colder temperatures triggering the annual behaviour. I will endeavour to bring regular updates to this blog, so if you have just the vaguest interest in deer then do drop by and see what might be happening.

This morning, as I sat in the warming morning sunshine, watching the last of the swallows skimming low over the ploughed field, a peaceful calm descended over the little corner where I sat. Apart from the very distant hum of the M11, I could hear nothing else except the sound of the real birds - not even a raucous metal bird punctuated this silence. Just then, a doe, still resplendent in her distinct spotty summer coat and camouflaged against the ploughed field, struck off from the ruminating herd and I took the opportunity to fire off a few shots. Being so close, the sound of my shutter alerted her and she made a comical backwards glance at me before pronking off across to the cover of the nearby woodland.
Just magical!


Today's image and all the other images from my August Challenge will be on display in Design Essentials during September

Tomorrow, Day 21

"Employment"

Day 11 - August Challenge 14

Challenge - "Rural idyll v. pace and rush"

Suggested by - Nichola via Facebook

"How does Uttlesford demonstrate the rural idyll sitting comfortably alongside the pace and rush of a modern society?" 

A tricky one for sure! I had an idea how to illustrate this one but whether it was going to come off...

As I mentioned before, I have lived in Uttlesford District for thirty years now, and one of the things I remember from over the years, was that the little rural railway station at Elsenham was always one that stood out because of the wonderful display of carefully attended flower pots, baskets and flower beds. It was a real picture of rural idyll. This was a tradition which had been going on for years and yet I'm not aware of when it all began to disappear, as more often than not, I was whizzing through on the non-stopping train up to London, just as many commuters do on a daily basis. It came as a bit of a disappointment today, to find that this pretty little station had lost the charm it once had. In fact, Elsenham station has taken on a whole new look following the tragic accident when two young girls were struck an killed on the level crossing, in their haste to get to a train. Since then, a pedestrian foot bridge spans the track so that the likes of the tragedy of 2005 may never happen again.

It was from this bridge that I set up my shot though this morning- the 08.08 non-stopping train whizzing through as commuters gathered on the London-bound platform waiting for the 08.29 service to London Liverpool Street. The juxtaposition of old and modern - the traditional waiting room and the steel bridge, against a backdrop of morning sunshine and newly harvested fields, clearly visible. It was also visible that unlike years ago when commuters would read a newspaper whilst standing and waiting, today's commuters had their heads bowed over a little electronic gadget and were immersed in their own little world. Commuting has been going on for many, many years, but the face of commuting is forever changing in our increasingly faster pace of life. Technology has taken over with the signalling, the train announcement boards, and the actual lives of each commuter. Some things haven't changed though - the level crossing gates are still manually opened and closed. Sadly, though some things have gone - the beautifully tended station garden, no doubt a victim of staff cuts, so no time to spare for non-essential services.

Does this remaining rural idyll sit comfortably alongside the pace and rush of modern society? Well it rubs along with the technology, and the folk who make the commute are probably just relieved to escape from the city at the end of each day. However, knowing that they live in Britain's most desirable rural area can be seen as a useful benefit with, amongst other things, Uttlesford affording lower crime rates and thus lower insurance rates than other areas around. So on that score alone, it could be seen to be a comfortable association between rural idyll and the pace and rush. However, I'm not going to pretend that I am looking at this through rose-tinted spectacles as nowhere is perfect but I have to say, all-in-all, I'm pretty happy to be living here.

Tomorrow, Day 12

"Alan Haselhust, MP"

Day 9 - August Challenge 14

Challenge - "Cycle network"

Suggested by - Joey

"Hiya Celia... I have one which is probably quite easy to capture..:) "Uttlesford's extensive Cycle Network" ... go interpret that how you will :)"

After braving the torrential downpours of yesterday evening to capture the shot for day 8, by contrast, the morning of day 9 was glorious! Sunshine, blue skies, puffy white clouds...the right sort of day to go out on a cycle ride - and that is just what himself did. Well, at least until a message came through to home at about 8.30 am that a puncture had put paid to the ride and could someone please rescue him? (I'm grateful to S-i-L for being on green flag duty).

We are very fortunate to live in such a lovely rural area where there is a criss-crossing of lanes ideal for exploring by bicycle. This has already been recognised with the well marked Route 11 passing though a delightful little corner of Uttlesford near Littlebury and Saffron Walden, and is a little backwater that I often pass through on my way to my favourite local walking spots. When we have taken outsiders along these lanes, they are so often surprised by this beautiful hidden away spot. It was no surprise to me though, to find Route 11 being well used on this beautiful morning, with several bikes passing through whilst I was there. On a leisure ride from Cambridge to Saffron Walden, the lad (who just happened to appear in my picture) stopped to ask me if he should continue on the route or cut through another way. There was, of course, only one answer for that.

So here were two examples of riding for pleasure. What about riding for essential purposes such as going to work? The one thing about being a peaceful rural town and yet only one hour by train to London, means that there are many who will do the daily commute. For those in Saffron Walden, the nearest station is Audley End, but is about two miles away from the centre of town. Many will drive and park, some will use the local bus service to get there but there are those who prefer to cycle and even walk to the station. Unfortunately, the two miles along a country road is not an easy two miles for the latter two. It is a narrow, unlit road, where the commuter vehicles often don't respect those using pedal power, so it is no wonder that there is a long running campaign to create a suitable and safe route to the station.

With the Tour de France having passed through Uttlesford just a month ago, it left a small legacy in its wake for resident cyclists, in the form of selected roads having been resurfaced - a safety benefit, and some cycle bars in the town centre - a security benefit. However, wouldn't it be wonderful to see the Wenden Road issue being addressed as the biggest legacy of the 'summer of cycling'?

Tomorrow, Day 10

"Nautical"

Day 6 - August Challenge 14

Challenge - "Out damn spot"

Suggested by - Roger via blog

"There must be a blemish somewhere in this Utopia so my subject is "Out damn spot". As to date, how about 6th?"

A blemish? A permanently, ever-moving blemish more like. If there is one thing I hate with a passion, it is littering. It is totally unnecessary and is result of lack of education and respect. However, before I get onto a rant I will explain why I chose litter rather than a specific blemish today. At first I thought 'building' - there must be an eyesore of a building. A factory, office block, carpark, even a house but regardless of how bad I thought it was, the choice would only be subjective. I stood to be challenged with my opinion, so rather than that, I thought...what do many people find an eyesore? Motorway, airport, mobile phone masts, pylons and cables? True, I would have many supporters for these necessities for modern life but that is what they are, trappings or necessities of modern life. Again, I would have those that would argue that they shouldn't be derided. Time to think of something that we would all be agreed upon.

I don't think it could be emphasised any more and with one voice, that litter is the biggest blemish in Uttlesford. In Essex. Indeed, in the whole country and world-wide. It is a sickness inflicted on the wider population by the minority. It is doubtful that it will ever be completely stopped but with a bit of sensible education from the beginning - starting in the home, then we should be able to see an improvement over time. After all, my education on the matter began from the moment I could comprehend anything and have come to where I am today with a feeling of shame and being mortified if a tissue accidentally escapes from my pocket or mutt decides to operate where I am physically unable to pick up. Indeed, it has been known for me to pick up litter on my way around the park. Actually I did today, not to gain any brownie points on here but because a pile of bottles can end up as a pile of danger - for creatures getting stuck inside and also to paws. Sadly, litter extends far wider than this. Only this evening, himself came home to say that there was a burned out Landrover way over in the middle of a local field, and the issue can be even bigger still.

Needless to say, I am fully in support of a campaign, currently being run by Uttlesford which is against littering. Banners have appeared at strategic points on the main roads in and out of town, with this one being less than a mile from Saffron Walden. I have to say, it is either already working or there are those who are still working tirelessly to keep our local environment looking smart and tidy. Whichever, the verges and laybys were remarkably empty of litter when I specifically went looking for it to illustrate this post - and long may that continue. I have to add that The Common in Saffron Walden was also free of the litter pox which normally blights the grass on warm days such as these. I can only put two and two together here but I had also noticed that school is currently out. This perhaps goes to reinforce my point - education from a young age. Yes, the community and schools can do their bit but truly, it has to start from home.

Tomorrow, Day 7

"Aeronautical"

Day 5 - August Challenge 14

Challenge - "Rural quiet"

Suggested by - Jacky via Facebook

"What about the most rural and quietest place in Uttlesford you can find. No phone signal, no view of pylons, wind turbines, road traffic noise or voices"

Hmmm, I could search for the perfect place for ever! However, being a dog owner, our walks have often taken me to places where I can escape. Escape the pressures of every day life, escape the sounds - well most of them anyway. The biggest sound problem for Uttlesford is from aeroplanes, closely followed by road traffic noises. It would be almost impossible to escape from those completely but as with anything you live with on a regular basis, then, it is possible to shut them out. Pylons and wind turbines? With trees around, that is fairly easy too. No phone signal? Well, it is pretty much off the scale in many rural places where I walk with mutt and all it would take to be completely quiet would be to turn the phone off or leave it at home.

With all that in mind, where did I go? Well this is one of my regular walking places within Uttlesford. A wide tree-lined bridleway where I frequently don't meet anyone but where I hear and see so many countryside animals. I can completely switch off during our walks, just sitting quietly under a tree whilst mutt sniffs around after interesting trails of scent. Is it the most rural and quietest spot? Well, maybe not but for me it is both rural and quiet.

Was it quiet tonight? Errm, actually, no! It was a buzzing hive of activity in the fields with the farmers desperately trying to combine the crops before the rain which is forecast for tonight. However, as the light began to fade and the moon began to rise, I could hear a tawny owl woo-hoo-ing on the far side of the field and as I gathered up my kit, a pair of bats flitted along the field margins - all part of my idea of what makes up rural quiet. Tomorrow I may do another favourite walk with mutt, and then that will be the most rural and quiet place for me. You see, rural quiet is also a state of mind. If you want to be calm and peaceful, then it is quite possible to enter a state of near meditation in many favourite spots. This is something that I have learnt to do, thanks to mutt requiring her daily walk.
It is a simple pleasure in life.

Tomorrow, Day 6

"Out damn spot"