In a change of programme last Friday evening, the Arts Club was pleased to welcome Ray Hine, one of its members and a talented photographer, who agreed at short notice, to show some of his photography of landscapes, at home and abroad. Taking off by air from Haverfordwest, Ray's first port of call was the Scilly Isles, in particular the small private island of Tresco. The Abbey Gardens in August looked at their best with many different palms, succulents, rock geraniums, rock roses and azaleas thriving in the benign climate and protected by stone walls surrounding the gardens. Travelling several hundred miles north, the next visit was to the island of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. Here was a very different picture, one of cloud shrouded hills, barren rocks and deserted beaches. The bright crimson berries of the rowan trees and the shaggy red coats of the highland cattle gave a little colour to a grey scene. Close by is the island of Staffa, its vertical columns of basalt rock constantly battered by rough seas, creating an atmosphere of power and drama. By contrast, the colourful buildings of Tobermory village fringing the quayside back on Mull presented a much more tranquil scene. Ray Hine's day trip to Iceland took his audience to yet another very different landscape. The barren hinterland of the island was dotted with geysers, their plums of steamy spray bursting upwards of 40 feet. It was almost possible to smell the sulphurous air! In the mountainous area behind, turbulent waterfalls threw spume across deep gorges edged with snow. The colourful roof tops of buildings in Reykjavik provided relief from the barren land. From Iceland, members were brought south to the familiar landscape of Pembrokeshire. From the air they followed the meandering River Cleddau up to Lawrenny and back to Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven, with the oil refinery laid out in contrast to field patterns in every shade of green. There were excellent views of Pembroke Castle and Carew Castle, then further east, Caldey and St. Margaret's Islands lay below. The sandy beaches and buildings of Tenby looked their very best in the sunshine. There was a clear view of the town and its strategic position on the peninsular. A truly beautiful sight. Ray Hine's excellent photography made this a fascinating and adventurous evening, with many different scenes on land and sea. The club is most grateful to him for giving such pleasure. This (Friday) evening, Paul Howard will paint and talk about his great passion for anything to do with railways. Non-members will be most welcome at 8 pm in Church House.
