CAMERA CAPERS

 The outing was organised by the Humanities Group of Guildford U3A.   This is not a  group I participate in, but a neighbour and friend is the organiser and she had spaces on the coach.  Angie and I jumped at the chance of a trip to London with our cameras. First stop Hampstead Village.   I grew up in Mill Hill East, which is not too far from Hampstead.  My father often took me with him on a Saturday morning when he had a job in London so  I had driven with him through Hampstead Village umpteen times, but we never stopped.    I had also been to the famous Hampstead Heath with its panoramic views of London from Primrose Hill, but never ventured into the Village.   Interesting passageway with small antique shops Mani's - where we had lunch On another day I would have been tempted to hire one of these scooters! We ventured into this greengrocery store.   It had a very old-fashioned look with wooden floorboards and brick walls. The fruit and vegetables were displayed most attractively

 Back after a break of two years, the Guildford Raft Race was back.  Although this is an annual event,  I had never been to one before, but Angie suggested it as a Camera Club outing.  In the event, there were only four of us, but we all enjoyed it, and it was evident the contestants did as well.   The race starts on the River Wey just behind the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and goes round behind the Ladymead Estate, and then onto the pub at Stoke, probably about a mile and a half.  Sadly we did not get to see the end, although I fear many rafts were lost along the way!   The event started with Duck Races which unfortunately we missed due to a printing error on the poster! Some people arrived by Canal boas - we went by bus! Even Royalty turned up - and took part! Little boys love messing around with water and sand! s And the Mayor of Guildford turned up to start the race - he is the one with the Chain of Office and straw hat.   The other chap is probably Chairman of The Guildford Lions who we