Reviews

What a wonderful day despite the clouds! Neil Cave looked after us so well. He knew the Hawk Conservancy Trust (HCT) and the staff and was able to position us in ideal positions for photographing the amazing birds. He was also a real pleasure to be with. I will definitely use TimeLine Events again next year and diary permitting return to the HCT in September or October 2016.

Mike C

Fairburn Tank in The Lakes" was the title for Timeline's November outing with 42073 at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite line, but little did the unwary participants anticipate how close to actually being under water this event threatened to be as the River Leven surged past the Linsty Green location providing an interesting diversion from the rather sombre first day's shoot in the perpetual gloom of The Lakes at their most miserable. Undeterred, Neil and his willing co conspirators, the two Peters, pressed on and, with some relief from the rainfall later in the day, and despite awesome ASA readings, a reasonable selection of images was procured along the branch. A satisfyingly filling early dinner in the L and H restaurant and night shoot starring the motionless Linda completed the proceedings for Day One, with an optimistic weather forecast for the morrow in the minds of those with two days suffering booked. To everyone's relief Thursday dawned with hills visible and a prospect of brightness and so it came to pass that the sun did wilfully illuminate Sowerby Bridge's finest and her diminutive train at most of the key locations along the line. Opinion seemed to favour the rock face just east of Haverthwaite Tunnel as the master shot, but the woods approaching Newby Bridge must have been a close second with their autumn tints sparkling in the sunshine. The morning ended with some reflective views over the reed beds approaching Lakeside, after which a return to lunch at Haverthwaite was made as the sun gave way to clouds portending the arrival of the storm-named-Abigail. Rain and increased gloominess over lunch saw an exodus of participants before a superbly smokey afternoon departure to Lakeside, but once again, Neil's personal hotline to God had already secured the services of the golden orb and I think there was a general feeling that Timeline had made the best of what originally seemed most unpromising circumstances. Notwithstanding day one's adversities I enjoyed this charter and thank Neil, Linda, the Two Peters and all the staff of the L and HR who made it possible.

Pete S

I recently attended my first TimeLine Event at Didcot, having just joined as a TLE member  - Winter in the shed - what a great experience! Merging together my passion for social history and photography I was really looking forward to the event - and I wasn't disappointed! The venue was brilliant - old, authentic and atmospheric - even more so due to the smoke machines and steam from the trains.  Together, with professional, flexible, approachable and adaptable re-enactors, the perfect backdrop and atmosphere for railway shots was created. The cameo's set up by the TLE team were thoughtful and considered and the team ensured each photographer got the shot they were after.  Fellow photographers were polite, enthusiastic and willing to share their tips and techniques.  I really enjoyed the event and have already booked up for several more in the near future!

Belinda E

Just Jane uncovered on January 21st, was a unique opertunity to view and photograph a Lancaster, stripped for restoration. This is something I shall probably never see again. The evening fulfilled all my expectations and I was able to come away with not only general shots, but also plenty of detailed ones. The lighting effects and re-enactors, just finished the evening off nicely.

Den R

 I had a fabulous day out at Papplewick pumping station (Nottinghamshire) where I met ladies and gentlemen of Victorian Steampunk persuasion. They were all superbly dressed, very photogenic, happy to pose as instructed amidst the engineering backdrop of the Victorian pumping station. A truly fabulous day out and shared with many like minded photographers. Nigel S

My wife and I attended our first event at the Hawk Conservancy last Friday. The weather did its best to ruin the day but Neil and the staff at the Hawk Conservancy always seemed have a plan B. We both enjoyed the day and cannot wait to book another. Thanks Neil for everything.

Dave B