NORTHWICH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY by David Boot

Northwich Photographic Society started the 2015/16 season with a talk entitled 'Land of Ice and Fire', from narrator and photographer, Gordon Bentley ARPS about his fascinating trip to Iceland. Not only can Gordon capture amazing images, he can get his tongue round Icelandic names.

Packed with interesting facts, Gordon’s talk was geography made easy. Forty per cent of Iceland’s income is from fish and fish products and they produce aluminium using ore transported from Australia. Most buildings are constructed from pre-fabricated concrete blocks with corrugated metal roofs as there is virtually no useable stone.

Icelanders enjoy virtually free energy courtesy of the geothermal springs. The hot water, which comes straight out of the ground is rich in sulphur so when taking a shower you are treated to the smell of boiled egg.

If you fancy visiting and taking part in whale watching, Gordon advised taking plenty of clothes. He had five layers in April and was still freezing cold. The views of the landscape from the sea make it well worth the effort, classic volcano peaks tower over what appear to be toy churches and houses nestled along the black beaches.

Rivers, fed by glacial meltwater carve the landscape causing wondrous waterfalls. Keen to capture an image of one waterfall with a rainbow in the spray, Gordon kept his companions waiting in the cold so that he could get a shot without anyone in the way. With steam from geothermal geysers coming from the ground at 107 degrees Celsius and superb salmon fishing available for £3,000 per day, Iceland is certainly an interesting location.

For further details, a gallery of photographs and programme of meetings please see www.northwichphotographicsociety.co.uk. Visitors and potential members are welcome at meetings which are on Thursday evenings 8pm-10pm at the Castle Community Church (formerly the Methodist/United Reform Church), Beeston Street, Castle, Northwich.