Speaker Meetings

Peter is a freelance writer and photographer from Southport, now living in Ormskirk. He was awarded a Master’s Degree in Photography by the University of Bolton in 2013, and has self-published a Photo Book “The tide’s the very devil” about Morecambe Bay and its shrimp fishermen. Peter specialises in Paralympic and disability sports as a photojournalist.

Peter writes

The illustrated talk is based on my Photobook “The tide’s the very devil: Morecambe Bay in photographs” describing the hazards, dangers and isolation of the Bay; some of its rich history; crossing the sands; shrimp fishing – the catch, landing, boiling and picking of shrimps; and the men and women involved. Shrimping is a family business where the traditions are handed down, and remain largely unchanged from one generation to another. The opportunity to use old family photographs enables me to compare and contrast the practices of today with what went before, showing similarity and difference.

The title of the talk comes from the first line of the chorus of On Morecambe Bay, a folk song written by an old school-friend from Southport and recorded by Irish folk singer Christy Moore. Kevin Littlewood was inspired to write the lyrics following the tragedy in February 2004 when 23 Chinese cockle pickers died after becoming trapped by rising tides at Hest Bank. It is a poignant reminder that the tide dictates every move on the sands.

The solitude, isolation and scale of Morecambe Bay were apparent on my first venture out on the sands sitting on the back of Michael’s tractor. I wanted to capture the feeling of isolation and show the wide open spaces. I also wanted to illustrate some of the features of the Bay such as myrings, footprints and tracks in the sand. Including aerial shots from a balloon. I discovered a rich history of literature and painting which under-score the story of life on the sands, and provide an external context largely unchanged today.

Looking ahead

On Thursday 5th September Harold Hoggarth will speak about The Civil War in Lancashire.

Lancashire resident Harold has been delivering talks to community groups for over 12 years. He speaks on a wide range of topics including local history, music, theatre and puppetry, ornithology and geology. Through his talks he raises money for five different charities including Romania, RNLI, Bible Society, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and Cap (Christians Against Poverty).

Harold writes

Harold Hoggarth

The English Civil War lasted from 1642 until 1660. Lancashire at that time was divided into six regions called “Hundreds” Of the six Hundreds of Lancashire only Salford and Blackburn were on the Parliamentary side. In the early part of the war, people in Lancashire generally volunteered to fight for their own principles even when these split communities and sometimes even families. Lancashire played a leading part in the course of the war in the North of England and so it is worth knowing about.

This talk and the accompanying PowerPoint was prepared by my friend Bill Wilson before he moved to Canada. He then left it with me to deliver on his behalf.

7th November – John Winter: Blame it on the Beatles – and Bill Shankly

I would be very pleased to hear from any members who would like to give a talk, or maybe you remember a past speaker you would like to hear from again.

Please email any ideas to speakerteam@aughton-ormskirk-u3a.co.uk  or phone 07974 749362.

A Message from the Speaker Secretary:

• These meetings are open to the public.  So do invite your friends even if they are not U3A members.
• Parking can be tricky on Thursday mornings.  So, if you can, please consider car-sharing or alternative modes of transport.  The handy half-hourly  310 Ormskirk – Liverpool bus stops very nearby on Holborn Hill. Some members ‘get active’ and walk, while a few even cycle now and then.

Much appreciation and hearty thanks to Sue Watkinson, who has recently ‘retired’ from the Speaker Secretary role, for a wonderful series of Speaker Meetings over her time of office. The variety and quality of the speakers arranged by Sue was truly excellent. Please take a few minutes to view and recall the extensive and interesting range of Past Speaker Meetings organised by Sue (as well a few from her predecessors).