Our cover picture

Winter does seem never ending this year. Yet where would be the wonder of Spring, if we didn't have the bleak days preceding it. The cover picture shows bluebells in St Lawrence's churchyard taken in early May, as a reminder of the many visual pleasures to come. If you would like to see it in colour, log on to Google and type in www.hungerford.uk.net/chain.php

As I write this in early February, the first of the snowdrops are just starting to appear. For those of you that have travelled the few miles to the snowdrop woods of Welford Park, you will know what an absolutely breathtaking experience that is. As a photographer the vast drifts of white present a challenging subject, to compose a dynamic, well constructed photograph from such little flowers, in such profusion.

The next spectacular show in the Spring, are the carpets of bluebells within West Woods, a little to the West of Marlborough. The heady scent, and the richness of the blue make it an unforgettable sight. If you are planning to photograph them, it is best to go on an overcast day, when the lushness of the new green beech leaves and the bluebells are not in bright sunlight. Bright light tends to turn the blue to a magenta, and renders the fresh greens less intense. So, lots to look forward to, and remember to take the camera.

Micky Thompson