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Photo journey tours castles, homes from Britain to France

Kelly McBride
kmcbride@communitypress.com

Local photographers will share their photographic adventures around the world and throughout the United States in the annual Travel Series at Sharon Woods. The work of seven members of the Photography Club of Greater Cincinnati will be presented each Friday, from March 4 through April 29.

Each artist was asked to describe his presentation and the inspiration for his photos. Cliff Turrell, of West Chester Township, will share photos of castles and homes in Britain and the Loire in France, where he traveled with his wife, Fran, several times from 2005 to 2014.

Where did you travel?

“This show was compiled from multiple trips to England, Wales, Jersey, and France from 2005 to 2014. The show theme features Castles in Britain, and fine homes in England and Wales, plus Monet’s Giverney and several Chateau’s in the Loire valley, South West of Paris.”

“Fran and I really enjoy our time in England. While we do enjoy being in London, our favorite times are when we get out of the large cities and into the country. Many of Britain’s finest homes are in the country, with impressive gardens and scenery.

“Britain also includes some really impressive castles. Many of these are far from London, particularly those built to “defend” against the Scots, and Welsh. Some castles were built purely as military outposts (Bodian, Conway, Harlech), while others include fine homes (Warwick, Alnwick, Arundel).

“The Loire Chateaus are worth a trip on their own, most are within a 40-mile radius and are hence easy to get to from a central point (we stayed in Blois).

“We start in London with the impressive Tower of London. We visit several homes and Bodian Castle within 50 miles of London. We then travel 100 miles north to the “Midlands” and visit Warwick Castle, and several houses and gardens. Next we travel 100 miles north to the grand Castle Howard and several castles (Alnwick – featured in the Quidditch game in 2 Harry Potter movies) and visit Fountains Abbey.

“We then journey West to North Wales and visit the very impressive Conway, Caernarfon and Harlech castles, and a wonderful garden – Bodnant. Tintern Abbey climbs up to the heavens in its ruined state, while several wonderful homes west of London are fully furnished (Greys Court, Hughenden, Arundel Castle). A short flight to the Island of Jersey (about 20 miles off Normandy coast of France) takes us to Mount Orgueil, a very impressive castle towering above the small town.

“A TGV train ride from London to Paris leads us to Giverney, Monet’s wonderful home, and gardens West of Paris. We were there in late April so most of the flowers were in bloom. A short drive leads us to the Loire. We will see Chateaus at Blois, Chambord, and Cheverny, used by Kings and built for comfort rather than defense.”

What was the highlight of your trip?

“While we enjoyed each of the places visited, if I was forced to pick just one favorite it would have to be the Tower of London, in the heart of the city! This Castle has it all. It was built 1,100 years ago, over a Roman fortress and includes outstanding Museums, with armor, and weapons. We can also see tools of torture, Yeoman of the Guard (Beefeaters), and the Crown Jewels.”

His advice to travelers?

“Get out of the big cities, and enjoy the country in both Britain and France. Consider “doing it yourself” and hiring a car.

“In Britain look at joining the Royal Oak Foundation, for free entrance to over 350 National Trust properties in Britain ($95 for two) and the English Heritage for over 300 different sites ($91 for two seniors, $130 for two adults).”

Travel Series

March 4: Cliff Turrell -- Castles, Great Houses and Gardens in Britain and the Loire

March 11: Cliff Goosmann -- Cruising the Bay of Biscay

March 18: Alan Lloyd -- Just Imagine - Southern California

March 25: No program

April 1: Mike Rank -- The Pueblos of Santa Fe and Taos

April 8: Neal Jefferies -- Cuba 2014

April 15: Mike Rank -- Galapagos

April 22: David Feldstein -- A Ten Day Adventure Through the Western United States

April 29:Neville Duffield -- Burma