Cambridge UK Rff and chemical store

[Paul Jenkin]

I'm still interested (so far)but there seems to be 3 optional activities:
1. walkabout / photoshoot
2. Discussion only / then a nice meal
3. learn how to print

Option 1 is of most interest to me. Option 2 would be okay but more than a couple of people in a darkroom simultaneousely is a recipe for disaster as well as probably being very boring for those not actively involved. Therefore, I wouldn't be up for Option 3.

Dates also see to have moved from the original 19 January. The other dates are okay (I think) but will have to get back once 100% sure.

 

[tuanvinh2000]

Hi Paul,
sorry for the confusion. Option 3 is just me asking to learn not suggestion as a group activity.
19/1 is still an option but others seem to not response yet so i want to extend to other dates so ppl have more time to plan.
Getting to know each other through a meal/coffee is definitely a good start then we can go photoshoot in subsequent meetups?

 

[OurManInTangier]

I may be able to make it on the 19th.

I'm always happy to sit and have a chat or go for a walk with a camera, though I don't think I've ever got any decent shots doing that at any of the meets I've joined 🙂

I'm curious to meet some relatively local RFF'ers after all these years

 

[Muggins]

Currently undecided, I'm afraid, though I'll see whether SWMBO fancies a trip to the Haunted Bookshop - if so, perfect, I can leave her there and meet up (she'll be there for hours!).

I must admit that I'd rather photograph, or see what others photograph (I have zero skill in street photography, and have never explored Cambridge with a camera) than eat, but as sunset will probably be about 4.30 by the 19th, I would have thought that a bit of a shoot then a meal afterwards wouldn't be too difficult?

Adrian

 

[bjmc]

+1 for shoot then meal/pub, look forward to meeting you all

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Well, given that the weather might still be a bit "interesting" or at the very least "unpredictable", how about a compromise?

We could meet at a pub / eatery (late morning / midday) and bring a camera with us - just in case (a) the weather is benign and / or (b) there's something interesting happening in town. I don't know Cambridge that well but I've always found the area immediately around the market / King's College produces some interesting opportunities.

Haunted bookshop sounds interesting. Where is that?

Does anyone have a suggested venue where we can meet - that's likely to be able to accommodate and make recognition relatively easy? Or shall we meet up outside Campkins on Rose Crescent?

 

[OurManInTangier]

I hesitate to offer too heavy an opinion as I'm not yet certain I can make it. However, would it be easier to meet in one of the larger coffee shops in town? Simply for the space, warmth and lack of pressure from the proprietor if we're waiting around for people to arrive. A pub may also suit but I'm not well versed in Cambridge's pubs.

There's a large Starbucks near to Campkins that may suffice. Or a Cafe Nero a little further down the street or Benet's opposite King's College. Once everyone is together we could go for a walk or lunch.

In terms of a good, large enough lunch location, I'll have to leave that for the locals to suggest.

 

[Muggins]

Unfortunately the Haunted Bookshop is closed on Sundays. Didn't think of that... It's a tiny old-fashioned second-hand bookshop piled high with old books down the alleyway behind Campkins (also closed Sundays...) other shop, opposite Kings.

Most interesting pub... possibly the Eagle, with the ceiling signed by airmen in WW", and where Crick and Watson did the hard thinking behind the unravelling of DNA's structure. Best beer and food? Name escapes me rather further out near the city hall/castle mound (not the Castle!).

While I can think of far nicer places than a chain coffee house, they have the advantage that they'll fit people in - one or two of the others need everyone to be very good friends!

Adrian

 

[OurManInTangier]

Unfortunately the Haunted Bookshop is closed on Sundays. Didn't think of that... It's a tiny old-fashioned second-hand bookshop piled high with old books down the alleyway behind Campkins (also closed Sundays...) other shop, opposite Kings.

Most interesting pub... possibly the Eagle, with the ceiling signed by airmen in WW", and where Crick and Watson did the hard thinking behind the unravelling of DNA's structure. Best beer and food? Name escapes me rather further out near the city hall/castle mound (not the Castle!).

While I can think of far nicer places than a chain coffee house, they have the advantage that they'll fit people in - one or two of the others need everyone to be very good friends!

Adrian

😀😀😀

Completely agree.

 

[Muggins]

Oops, got the pub wrong - it IS the Castle, was mixing it with the County Arms.

Its landlord used to be the drummer in the Rutles, apparently.

Adrian

 

[tuanvinh2000]

so i'm hearing starbucks near campkins on 19/1 at 12?
my fav coffee place so far is Hot Number Cafe near Mill Road. But its a bit off center for the meetup. Hope to make this a regular meetup like a monthly social thing. In Vancouver where i used to live, we have Tom A and lot of rangefinder/film shooters 😀

Vinh.

 

[Steveh]

Vinh that's about 200m from my house so would be great for me but I agree the centre is probably better. I may be able to make the 19th, although probably not until after lunch.

Just to throw a spanner in the works Cambridge is at its most photogenic in the early mornings at weekends, by early afternoon it will be packed with shoppers and the light will be going. Anyone who wants to do some shooting would do well to hit town early.

so i'm hearing starbucks near campkins on 19/1 at 12?
my fav coffee place so far is Hot Number Cafe near Mill Road. But its a bit off center for the meetup. Hope to make this a regular meetup like a monthly social thing. In Vancouver where i used to live, we have Tom A and lot of rangefinder/film shooters 😀

Vinh.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Pubs are great meeting places - but the Starbucks close to Campkins sounds like a plan to me. I'm not trying to hi-jack this thread or anything (and I'm happy to meet wherever) but it sounds like a few of us are swaying in the direction of Starbucks - to meet up about 12:00?

The exact clothing I'll be wearing (for recognition purpoes) will be weather-dependent but I'm a LARGE bespectacled chap with cropped grey hair and grey goatee beard. I will, almost certainly, be wearing a blue denim baseball cap and black Billingham Hadley slung over my shoulder. Contents yet to be determined but probably Nikon F2 or F3 - unless the weather's good and I give the Rollei 2.8e an outing.

 

[Muggins]

Just to throw a spanner in the works Cambridge is at its most photogenic in the early mornings at weekends

You mean as the miasmas roll in from the flatlands?😀
You have a point, doesn't really help me though, as I can't set off from The Other Place until after 10am.

Adrian

EDIT - the best way to identify ourselves will probably be to put a non-digital camera on a table!

 

[OurManInTangier]

You mean as the miasmas roll in from the flatlands?😀
You have a point, doesn't really help me though, as I can't set off from The Other Place until after 10am.

Adrian

EDIT - the best way to identify ourselves will probably be to put a non-digital camera on a table!

Oooooh, now I'm feeling awkward. I'm fully digital and Leica-less now. I promise to sit quietly in the corner and speak only when spoken to😀

Once I've double checked the social calendar with my wife I should be a 'definite' for the 19th. I'm Suffolk based and had thought I'd pop along in the morning and then catch up with everyone at the agreed time. If anyone else is planning to get there early and wants to have a wander around just let me know.

You can recognize me as I'll no doubt be wearing jeans, an old green jacket, graying hair and a face that, as my wife constantly tells me, says "f*** off." Ignore the face, I'm not as grumpy as I usually look. Oh, and I'll be sporting the digital mirror-less tourist look with an X-Pro1....but I'll leave it off the table😉

 

[Muggins]

Still time to buy a ilm camera on ebay 😛

Adrian

PS This is me:

http://flic.kr/p/aNumGe

 

[Anthony Harvey]

I'm hoping to be able to make it, and in case I can, could anyone advise on parking please? It's not a question of directions (I can easily work these out) but where I should be aiming for.

I haven't been to the centre of Cambridge for many years so I've no idea what might be possible. Is the idea nowadays to drive to a Park-and-Ride place and get the bus in or to aim for a large car public park in the centre (and if so which one)?. Have they banned private cars from the city yet?

I thought each of us might be easily recognisable on the basis that we'll look like someone who is looking for someone but of course once two or more members have met, they'll start talking photography and look relatively normal. Perhaps the presence of a camera out of its bag would more a better sign.

Anthony

 

[Muggins]

Cambridge is fairly well served by Park and Rides these days, which is easier than trying to drive into the centre by a long way. I think all the bus services go to Drummer Street, which is five minutes walk to Rose Crescent, so quite handy. I don't think cars are banned as such, but quite a lot is pedestrianized, so you'd struggle to tell!

Adrian

 

[OurManInTangier]

Mine is another voice recommending one of the Park & Ride services. I always use it when I'm in Cambridge as it tends to be much cheaper than any of the car parks (certainly if you're there for a couple of hours or more.)

The Newmarket Road P&R (mentioned simply as its the one I have knowledge of) costs £2.60 if you pay at the machine or £2.90 if you pay on the bus itself. From what I've seen I believe bus passes give their usual free travel but can only be used after a certain time (9.30-10am..ish)

 

[Anthony Harvey]

Many thanks Adrian.