Originally it had been planned that we should spend a day in the Autumn at the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge. Alas due to the current Covid-19 restrictions it has been decided that this is not practical.
We have there decided to go somewhere nearer to home - East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens is a notable privately owned garden in East Ruston, just off the A149 near Stalham near the Norfolk Coast.
The gardens are open from 12.00 to 5.30pm so members can stay longer than the planned shoot if they wish. There is however an admission charge to pay to access the gardens - Adult £10
The gardens were established in 1973 by Alan Gray and Graham Robeson, who have created a 32-acre (130,000 m2) design which incorporates exuberant and innovative planting alongside a more traditional formal design. On an unpromising site, close to the North Sea and surrounded by arable prairie, the gardens are protected from harsh onshore wind by a shelter belt of Monterey Pine trees which created a unique micro-climate.
Exotic and unusual plants from around the world flourish alongside more hardy species. Notable are the tree ferns, succulents and palms which surround the house, as is the Californian 'Desert Wash', the Exotic Garden with a water sculpture and a large cornfield sown with a selection of native but now scarce 'weeds' such as Cornflower, Poppy and Corn Marigold.
The gardens also contain an interesting collection of sculptures by local artists as well as many architectural features.
Covid-19 Guidance
Norwich & District Photographic Society is continuing to review its position to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to its members and we therefore ask for your support and understanding regarding this important matter.
In accordance with the latest guidance from Public Health England, the NHS and the UK Government our current COVID-19 guidelines for events organised by the Society are:
Immediately BEFORE YOU TRAVEL to an event:
1) Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2) Make sure your photographic equipment and other equipment you bring to the event is thoroughly cleaned and regularly wiped down with antiseptic wipe(s).
We ask members NOT TO TRAVEL to an event organised by the Society if:
3) You HAVE NOT received a valid booking confirmation for the event.
4) During the past 14 days you have travelled from, or transited through, any of the countries or areas that are currently on ‘lockdown’.
5) You are unwell or have developed a fever (above 37.8C) or a new, continuous cough within the last seven days – upon arrival your temperature may be taken and if it is too high (above 37.8C) you will be asked to leave and you will not be permitted to participate in the event.
6) Arrive at least 10 minutes before the event is due to commence so you can attend the briefing. Anyone who does not arrive on time will be recorded as absent and should not participate in the event.
7) Upon arrival you should maintain a safe distance between yourself and other members attending the event. For the time being the Society is discouraging handshakes as a greeting.
DURING the event:
8) Comply with any health and safety instruction provided during the briefing given to everyone before the event commences.
9) Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other people including other members of the Society. A minimum distance of 2 metres is recommended. We appreciate that sharing images on the back of the camera is an instinctive reaction on shoots but currently this should be avoided unless other precautions are being taken to keep safe.
10) Regularly apply sanitising gel to your hands.
11) Make sure you have a face covering with you. If you are unable to maintain a minimum distance of 2 metres from other people, it is recommended that you use a face covering.
12) Do not share your photographic equipment with other members at the event unless it is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe before and after being shared.
13) Do not leave the event before the end unless you make someone aware that you are doing so.
As the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, the Society will be regularly reviewing this guidance so please ensure you check the situation before you attend an event.
In addition to the above guidance members attending the shoot are advised to check the Old Vicarage Garden website and make themselves aware of any restrictions being imposed by the owners/operators regarding visitors during the current pandemic.
Norwich & District Photographic Society thank you for your understanding and support