Garratts 87 & 138 approaching the summit at Pitts Head, WHR.
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I was a little reluctant to post this image on Facebook, in case I get a barrage of criticism, but after further consideration I've decided to post the image. ![]()
On Friday (19th April) I went out with my camera to the beach by the lower lighthouse, Burnham-on-sea, as my Aurora app was giving a red alert for a possible Aurora over most of the UK. I've not gone out before for such an occurrence, but it was a calm evening with low tide and not particularly cold. I waited for about an hour & half and although nothing was visible with the naked eye I shot off a few long exposures with my camera mounted on a tripod. To my surprise I noticed a slight green colour in the sky on the photos, but not thinking it was actually the Aurora I didn't process the images until this afternoon, when time allowed. Now I have the final image there is indeed a hint of the green colour that the Aurora produces on the odd occasions it is visible in the UK. You are most unlikely to see the "dancing lights" effects associated with the Aurora in more northern countries. ![]()
So here is my image of the famous lighthouse in Burnham, Somerset with the Aurora visible. ![]()
Perhaps a better display may occur one day and I'll get a better one.
With such a pleasant spring day I made time to visit my local heritage railway, the West Somerset Railway, for a days photography. Something I have not done for a while. Half a dozen shots were captured at various spots along the line in the cool temperatures and spring sunshine. I am quite happy with this one of visiting Modified Hall No. 6990 "Witherslack Hall" (from the Great Central Railway) getting away from Blue Anchor at Kerr Moor with the 14.40 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on 20th April 2024. ![]()
The Hall is running services currently and is visiting for the spring steam spectacular gala on Friday 3rd - Monday 6th May. ![]()
#westsomersetrailway #blueanchor #seaside #beaches #modifiedhall #witherslackhall #greatwestern #STEAM #heritagerailway #heritage #prints #spring #westernregion #GWR #mavic #aerialphotographydrone #DronePhotography #aerial
I am planning to run a photo charter on the West Somerset Railway on Thursday 2nd May.![]()
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The loco will be BR Green Modified Hall No. 6990 “Witherslack Hall”, courtesy of the Great Central Railway, with a maroon passenger set.![]()
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This is the first Hall to run on the WSR for some years (since 2018) due to the temporally imposed weight limits.![]()
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I do of course appreciate that this is short notice, but the loco was not originally booked to attend the event, but has arrived to cover for another unavailable loco. ![]()
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Full details are on my website where you can also book places (not via the railway please) at; www.donbishop.co.uk/product/bookable-events/charters-and-events/charters/the-quantock-hall-west-s...![]()
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The charter is the day before the WSR’s spring steam gala, where at least 7 locos will be running, with most smokebox leading, so further photo opportunities are available over the following days if you decide to stay on for some extra days.![]()
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The WSR and its surrounding countryside will be looking great with the fresh spring colours becoming established by this date. There has been some extensive lineside work carried out this winter so the line is looking very tidy.![]()
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The charter is expected to finish around 17.30 – 18.00hrs.![]()
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Cost for the day is £144.00 per head to cover the high costs involved (in particular coal) these days.
The "Quantock Hall" - Don Bishop Photography
www.donbishop.co.uk
A photo charter day on the West Somerset Railway with Modified Hall No. 6990 Witherslack Hall on a passenger train.