"As a Patron of the Bluebell Railway I am very proud to be here talking to you about this very important appeal.

The Bluebell Railway is very important to me because over the years I have actually filmed down on the stations, on the platforms and inside the trains as my alter-ego, Hercule Poirot.

I have filmed many times at the Bluebell Railway and every time I visit I feel a certain sense of nostalgia and I am aware that there are so many people of all ages coming to the Bluebell Railway Line to enjoy the unique experience, a very special experience of actually travelling on a steam train. The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK’s first standard gauge preserved passenger railway line reopening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London/Brighton and South Cost railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex. Yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation of posterity of a country branch line with its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.

The line currently runs between Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The Bluebell Railway is currently in the middle of a huge fund-raising initiative to raise the £4million needed to complete the final mile of the Bluebell Line to the historic town of East Grinstead.

This is a very important project. It will, when completed, bring travellers from afar to the town, eager to experience the evocative sounds and romance of a gentler age. We will be able to travel again on these wonderful steam trains as they make their way through beautiful countryside to East Grinstead and finally bring a long-held dream of so many to life. Can you please help us to complete that final mile by making a generous donation to the Bluebell Railway Appeal?
Thank you very much."

This article was taken from the current issue of the Nikon Owner magazine (issue #30).

Become a subscriber today and you'll receive the quarterly publication of the Nikon Owner magazine plus many other great benefits.

RRP: £6,249.99
Sales start date: 28th May 2010

April 27th 2010: Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. This lens replaces the highly acclaimed AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR and features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), Nano Crystal Coat and a new A/M mode, making it an ideal, versatile choice for sports and wildlife photographers.

This type of super telephoto zoom lens remains unique on the market and reflects Nikon’s continued dedication to innovation and quality in the industry. The evolution of this lens underlines Nikon’s commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: "Rapid advancements in optical technology and Nikon’s continued dedication to provide class-leading products have resulted in recent updates of pro grade lenses. Through its additional features and improved specifications, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II delivers the ultimate results and enables even the most demanding of pro photographers to shoot without compromise.”

Specifications

Focal length	200-400mm
Aperture	f/4
Lens construction	24 elements in 17 groups
Picture angle	12°20´- 6°10´ (8°- 4° for Nikon DX format)
No. diaphragm blades	9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance	2.0m/6ft. (AF); 1.95m/6.4ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size	52mm
Diameter x length	Approx. 124 x 365.5mm
Weight	3,360g

Sharper images with improved handling
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II features second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved.

In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

Reduced ghosting and flare
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II now incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, which drastically reduces ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. This delivers rich, high contrast images even under testing lighting conditions.

The new lens features an autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II has a tough magnesium body, incorporating weather and dust sealing and lens protective glass, to withstand the effects of dust and moisture in the toughest of shooting conditions.

Weighing in at only 3,360g, while providing great flexibility in telephoto shooting, this new lens is a practical alternative to carrying several large telephoto lenses. The lens is supplied with a high quality Ballistic, backpack style carry case, allowing for easy and safe transportation.

This is the 14th Annual Heather Angel Wildlife and Natural History Workshop presented by Grays of Westminster.

Heather Angel, the internationally renowned wildlife photographer, has been the recipient of a large number of awards and prizes from all over the world for her widely acclaimed lectures, writing and workshops. In addition she is a regular contributor to the worldwide photographic press and the distinguished author of over 50 books.


Heather Angel is an enthusiastic tutor of wildlife and nature photography, and these hugely popular one-day workshops on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 2010 at Saint Hill Manor are perfect for both the newcomer and experienced photographer alike. The schedule for each day includes lectures, demonstrations and the chance to handle and use a large range of new Nikon camera equipment and the range of Think Tank camera bags. Her workshops regularly attract visitors from all over the U.K., Europe and throughout the world.

Schedule for the day

09.15 - Registration with coffee and tea served on the terrace of the Manor

10.00 -11.15 - Heather Angel - What makes a memorable image?

Pictures of the natural world which transcend language barriers and create an instant rapport are rare. It may be high-speed action, amazing behaviour, dramatic lighting or an intriguing design that arrests the eye. If you rely on coming across them by chance, the odds of achieving many in a year will be slim. But by conceiving the essential ingredients, you can reduce the odds of being successful. Drawing both on images taken over time as well as recent unseen ones, Heather will show some thought-provoking images which she hopes will stimulate a lively discussion.

Copies of Heather's books - including Wild Kew, which is the basis of the 2010 summer exhibition at Kew Gardens - will be available this weekend.

11.15 - Break for mid-morning refreshment: tea, coffee, mineral water on the Terrace.

11.45-12.45 - Nikon Total Imaging System - John Clements

13.00 - Lunch: an elegant lunch overlooking the beautiful gardens of Saint Hill Manor and a wooded lake

14.00 - onwards there will be a choice of four sessions. You may attend them all or be selective. The sessions are outlined here with details of each below.

• 14.00 - 16.15 Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
• 14.00 - 16.15 Outside Practical session with John Clements
• 14.00 - 16.30 Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel*
• Outside Practical session with Flying Falcons and Julian Ford - time to be announced

* Please note that Giles Angel's Photoshop session will be aimed at different levels as the afternoon progresses

16.15 - Afternoon Tea and Coffee or cool drinks served on the Terrace.

16.45 - Practical Session with Heather Angel outside

17.00 - Workshop closes

18.30 - Dinner at the Manor. A special complimentary thank-you dinner to all those attending our workshop has been organised by Grays of Westminster and the staff of Saint Hill Manor. This must be arranged in advance.

Please note that Nikon cameras and lenses will be available for you to try out during the day; in fact these workshops are an excellent opportunity to handle and try out Nikon equipment before making a purchase. However, please bring your own kit - macro lens, long lens, flash and tripod - to get the best from the practical sessions.

For more details on this workshop please visit www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Booking details:

The ticket for either day includes refreshments, lunch and the evening meal, and costs £245.00 (£185.00 for Nikon Owner subscribers) per person for the day.

The workshops start at 9.15 a.m. and run until 5.00 p.m., followed by dinner. Make your choice of day, Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th July and Book online here! or call Gillian Greenwood, Events and Training Coordinator between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. on or 0207 828 8971 Monday to Friday if you are not a current Nikon Owner subscriber to find out how you can receive the £60 discount.

Nikon Owner Social Night

I am very pleased to let you know that Michael Eleftheriades invites you to the next Nikon Owner (London Group) meeting, which will be held on Friday, April 23rd 2010 at the Hellenic Centre Boardroom.

Michael says that this will be a social meeting, an opportunity to meet and chat with members old and new. Everyone is encouraged to bring images of their work or recent projects, to show and for discussion.

Venue Details

Hellenic Centre Boardroom, situated on the first floor, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, on Friday, April 23rd 2010.

Address:

The Hellenic Centre
16-18 Paddington Street
Marylebone
London
W1U 5AS

Location Information:

Paddington Street runs from Baker Street to Marylebone High Street.

The nearest underground station to The Hellenic Centre is Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines).

The closest bus routes are: 2, 13, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 159 and 274.

Parking is available at Masterpark in Chiltern Street . Parking restrictions are in effect until 6.30pm. Note that the Centre is within the Congestion Zone (ends at 6.00pm).

The last word...

As on previous occasions, we would be grateful for a £5 contribution per person to cover the costs of the room.

For those wishing to socialise for longer, there's dinner afterwards at one of the local restaurants.

We look forward to seeing you on April 23rd; please indicate your attendance by replying to the invitation on the Nikon Owner Message Board

We look forward to seeing you for another great evening.

Kind regards,

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor/Events Coordinator

This seminar, developed and taught by Chris Weston, one of the UK ’s most respected wildlife photographers and expert tutor, focuses on the most-requested, most-important digital camera techniques for photographers.

Passing on the latest, hottest techniques of today’s pro photographers, over the course of the day, he covers everything from selecting the best camera settings to exposing the secrets of getting perfect exposures and pin-sharp images. You’ll learn how to select the right lenses, master colour, get rid of noise and artifacts, and turn what you see into perfect prints.

Here's what you'll learn in this absolutely packed-full day of training:

Chris’s six-point system for DSLR photography
9:30 – 10:00AM
With hundreds of buttons, dials and switches, modern cameras can seem daunting to even seasoned users. In this session, Chris exposes the six things you need to learn about DLSR cameras that will free you to take the pictures you imagine.

Camera controls and settings
10:00 – 11:00AM
Learn the truth about the JPEG vs. RAW debate and get to grips with when and how to use all those confusing menu settings.

Refreshment break
11:00 – 11:15AM

Getting rid of noise and artifacts for great image quality
11:15 – 12:00PM
Noise and other artifacts can ruin digital photos. Learn how to use ISO and menu settings to minimize noise and bring out the finest details.

Making colours look natural
12:00 – 1:00PM
Get rid of unsightly colour casts and make colours glow. Learn how to make colours look natural in any type of light and how to enhance natural colours for brilliant-looking prints.

Lunch
1:00 – 2:00PM

Perfect exposures
2:00 – 3:30PM
Get to grips with your camera’s metering and exposure modes and learn the pro’s secret to getting exposure right every time – simply and easily.

Refreshment break
3:30 – 3:45PM

Getting pin-sharp images – even when your subject is moving
3:45 – 4:30PM
Get the most from your lenses and learn how to set auto-focus to capture pin-sharp images of moving subjects Plus, master the art of focusing for foreground-to-background detail.

How to make your photos look the same as what you see
4:30 – 5:00PM
How many times have you been disappointed when the printed image looks nothing like the scene you saw? Our simple composition guides will put an end to your frustration.

Managing your images
5:00 – 5:30PM
Discover the pro’s secrets to managing, storing, backing-up and retrieving those thousands of images on your computer.

Q&A
5:30 – 6:00PM
Your chance to ask the expert anything you want to know .

Close
6:00PM

Course details

• Date: 20th March, 2010
• Location: Holiday Inn, Oxford
• Price: £75.00 per person (£65.00 with Grays of Westminster voucher)
• Course tutor: Chris Weston
  

Spend over £100 at Grays of Westminster and receive a £10 discount voucher off the price of any of Chris Weston's seminars. Alternatively, you can call me, Gillian Greenwood, on +44 (0)207 828 4925 between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30pm, to find out how you can receive a £25 discount voucher if you are a Nikon Owner subscriber.

With best wishes

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor, Events and Training Coordinator
Nikon Owner Magazine
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Adrian Cochrane and Andy Hewson are delighted to announce that the acclaimed wildlife photographer and author, Chris Weston, will be giving a talk at the Duke of Wellington pub in Southampton on Saturday 13th March, 2010. Space is limited to 25 and so we shall have to operate on a first come, first served basis. This is one event you will not want to miss!

Venue Details
The back room of the Duke of Wellington Pub

7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start

Address
Duke of Wellington
36 Bugle Street
Southampton
SO14 2AH

Telephone: 02380 339222

We will need to ask all who are coming for a contribution of £5 each to cover the room hire and Chris Weston's costs.

Kind regards,
Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor/Events Coordinator
Nikon Owner Magazine
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London
SW1V 2LP

Tel: +44 (0)20 7828 8971
Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 5783

info@nikonownermagazine.com
www.nikonownermagazine.com
nikonownermag.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/nikonownermag

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Nikon Owner South Coast Group - February meet-up: Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Exhibition: Saturday 27th February 2010

Rather than meeting in their usual venue in February, Andy Hewson and Adrian Cochrane thought that a Saturday trip out and meet-up at the Moors Valley Country Park (where the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009 Exhibition is on display until the end of February) would be a good idea.

The Moors Valley Country Park
Horton Road
Ashley Heath
Nr Ringwood
Dorset
BH24 2ET

The plan is to visit on Saturday 27th February; meet at the park visitor centre at 12 noon, visit the exhibition, and then, weather permitting, spend a couple of hours wandering round the park photographing. After that we'll head to a local pub for food and chat.

Kind regards,
Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor/Events Coordinator
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Nikon Owner Magazine
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London
SW1V 2LP

Tel: +44 (0)20 7828 8971
Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 5783

info@nikonownermagazine.com
www.nikonownermagazine.com
nikonownermag.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/nikonownermag

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