AREA NEWS
AREA 4 (Northumberland, Tyne & Wear Durham & Cleveland)
A lot of activity seems to be happening in this Area. In June the group had a portrait evening with the assistance of two very good models. This was followed with a meeting in July, where the ensuing slides were shown, together with a lively discussion on the processing of them.
Last year the group had the freedom to roam aboard HMS Warrior, the first iron clad warship, which was undergoing a complete restoration in Hartlepool dock. This year they are hoping to visit the British Steel rolling mill on Teeside, the largest plant of its kind in Europe.
AREA 9 (West Midlands, Shropshire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire)
Those of us who have had the experience of buying ready made processing kits from our friendly neighbourhood dealer, only to find that it has spent all its available shelf life, will be glad to know that one firm at least now stamps a 'Best by' date on it's cartons. Are you surprised to learn that it is a British firm. And among British firms, is it any surprise to know that it is Patersons? In my experience, Patersons products always have that little something extra - even the relatively inexpensive ones - and their customer relations are of the very best. So for those who have not yet launched out into your own brew business, I have no hesitation in recommending Paterson`s 3E6. Incidentally, I am pleased with the results too! Anthony Green.
AREA 15 (South Wales)
More and more members are now supplementing their home processing with the fascinating pastime of making up audio-visuals from their slides. This is becoming increasingly apparent from the increase in the interest and number of sequences being shown at Didcot.
Personally, I have derived an enormous amount of pleasure from y sequences and given a lot of pleasure to other people showing them. It is a standing joke about Uncle Albert boring the visitors by insisting on bringing out his projector and showing his holiday slides. I would be the first to agree that it can be very boring, pictures flashing to and from on a screen with Uncle Albert waxing lyrical in the background.
Slide sequences are not new. They were about at the latter half of the last century, using large cumbersome 'Magic Lanterns' with sound effects, narrative and lighting effects carried out by a team of helpers. Electronics revolutionised slide presentation and as many as ten projectors can be controlled by a strip of recording tape. The most basic equipment consists of two projectors, an electronic control unit, a tape recorder, an amplifier and loudspeaker. These can produce breathtaking results and the subject matter is endless. To see ones slides dissolve from one to the other accompanied by appropriate music, and narrative where required, must be seen to be appreciated, as many of us have, and is something which can be shared with others, which is more important.
Over this last ten years I have put together a fair amount of recording equipment, mixer recorders etc and have built up quite a comprehensive record collection. I am also fortunate in as much as my son is a DJ, which gives me access to an enormous amount of recordings of all sorts; sound effects, popular classical, sounds, songs and Folk music of the UK, music of many countries, the national instruments of many countries and many more. So, if you are putting together a slide sequence and require some particular sound effect or appropriate music, give me a ring or write to me and I will help you all I can. To those of you who do not wish to go to the expense of an A/V setup, you can still see your slides set to music and narrative if you have enough enthusiasm, a slide sequence of only a few minutes can have great visual and audio impact if properly presented. If you would like to have a go, sort out 50 to a hundred of your favourite slides, give me some idea of what music you would like or sound effects, and we can see your slides presented as an A/V. I will get as much pleasure out of the exercise as you will.
Bert Sanders.
Editor: Update 2000. Sadly, Bert passed away two years ago).
AREA 19 (Sussex & Surrey)
Reg long, one of the Club's long serving members is planning to resign at the end of the Club's financial year. He will have been Leader of Area 19 for an incredible 16 years. The Area is, of course, now looking for a new Area Leader. I am sure that both Area 19 and the remainder of the CRC will be grateful to Reg for the hard work he has put in during those years.
AREA 22 (North Surrey & South London)
COLOUR SLIDES ON A VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER. I see that the processing house of PHOTOFINISH will transfer not only cine films, but also colour slides, onto video, for 35p per slide with a minimum order of £5. Each slide can be shown for a chosen number of seconds and music and sound effects can be added if required.
COLOUR SLIDES FROM A COMPUTER AND TV has been a recent subject on the tele software magazine of BBC2 Teletext (Ceefax page 701). Someone wanted to know how to photograph the TV and I was one of many who wrote in. I even got a mention as one of two people who sent in slides. My computer Club is also interested and I am submitting an article for their newsletter which will refer to the CRC. George Sparkes.