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Proof that the polo is a fun event!
It was champagne all the way
Amanda Protheroe-Thomas with the captain of the winning team
Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts,
Editor, Vale Life
Jane Islwyn Thomas, Nicola Gibson, Judith Edgell
Natasha Louca (green dress)
and friends
Andy Mathews, Paul Islwyn Thomas
Liz Scourfield,
Eleanor Gimblett-Williams (S4C)
A great opportunity to let your
hair down!
Steve Llewelyn, Sacha Stevens,
Vicky Llewelyn
Tim Ham, Alisa Thorne
Ewan Price, Edward Price, Lizzy Creffield, Lesie Ann Creffield
Kelly Readon Brown, Sacha Stevens, Jamie Baulch, Tamsin James
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Fonmon Castle proudly welcomed the sport of kings to its fabulous grounds.
POLO
I’ve always fancied going to the Polo. Not because I follow the game but mainly out of curiosity. I’m the first to admit that I’m a shocking people watcher and now that I’m editor of City Life, it gave me the perfect excuse to see what all the buzz was about.
On checking out the website at www.stdavidspolo.co.uk I saw that there were several different options to choose from. We could step out in style with a table in the hospitality pavilion hosted by the patron of the St Davids Polo Club, Viscount St Davids and get the full VIP treatment of a Pimms reception, three course lunch, the ability to view the match from a private enclosure and enjoy a post match private disco by a top UK party band. Or, we could take a Polo box (or pod as it has affectionately become known) which is a marquee directly on the Polo ground with private enclosure to the front, or, we could simply pay for field only tickets and take our own picnic.
Hmmm... tough call. VIP table duly booked, we then invited some friends and began the countdown to the day. My main concern wasn’t the weather conditions, ground conditions or any other condition but what to wear.
The weeks before the event seemed like a blur with much pounding the streets of the Vale and Cardiff looking for ‘the’ outfit. I happened to choose a day in Cardiff when the sales were on. Looking through rail upon rail of dresses which weren’t wanted in the first place has never appealed to me and with half an hour to go before the shops closed I happened upon a dress from Hobbs which I thought would fit the bill perfectly.
A few days later and a quick dash to Marks & Spencer in Culverhouse Cross for chinos and a jacket for my husband and we were just about good to go.
The big day came and luckily the weather was fine if a little breezy. My hat went off (not that I wore one) to Geoff Lloyd, Chairman of St Davids Polo Club and his team as the day appeared to go without a hitch. The lunch was superb, Team Aston Martin and Team Hackett played brilliantly and the day continued into the night with music which I could actually dance to, which I did.
A big thanks to our guests Martin and Julie Phillips, Judy and Pepe Mancuso, Cheryl Bass, Huw Johns and Suzanne Jaya for making the day such an enjoyable one.
“I’m so pleased that St Davids Polo will be at Fonmon Castle in 2009 and we fully intend to visit again next year.” Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts, Editor, City Life
“We were delighted to host the St Davids Polo here at Fonmon Castle Grounds.”
POLO
Vale Life is very happy to be working with Derek Naylor as our society and events photographer.
Derek enjoys a Pimms with friends
How long have you been a photographer?
I have been photographing for more than 20 years professionally. I worked in the BBC film unit many years ago and most of my spare time was spent in the darkroom, which was rarely used. My father was a journalist and I always had access to Time Magazine, National Geographic and the Sunday supplements. This certainly inspired me. I worked for a lady photographer in a very classic studio in Toronto, which was really valuable training, before returning to the Vale about twelve years ago where I slowly but surely established myself as a professional photographer.
Why do you specialise in society and events photography?
Mainly by request. Since I love photographing people and that’s what I’m best known for. Clients and friends have needed photography over the years for corporate and private events and it’s just a natural progression of what I do best. There’s always something going on in the Vale and Cardiff and capturing people at society events, when they’re relaxed and enjoying themselves, is what I enjoy.
What type of events are these?
Most large charities have black tie events and celebrity dinners or fundraisers as they’re essential to generating funds and awareness. My attendance at these events not only covers essential PR photographs but also allows guests to remember the event long after it’s gone as they can purchase the photographs from my website at www.ifotoevents.co.uk while supporting the charity, as a percentage of sales is given to the charity. Also golf days, ladies lunches, fun runs, Royal visits and private parties.
What is your favourite event?
I enjoy the buzz of celebrity events and I do enjoy the Polo as it’s a fantastic spectacle and a good way to catch up with friends and make new ones whilst working. I also enjoy the more poignant event like the one I covered recently where some disabled children were having fun with the drivers of the touring monster truck team. Despite their difficulties, they had such a fantastic time and I know some of my photographs made a difference.
Does it take a special type of photographer to do this?
Twenty years experience certainly helps but also being able to blend in with the environment and being part of the event is crucial to getting good photographs of people. Privacy and trust are also vital... not everyone wants to be photographed and I respect that.
Any plans for the future?
For some time, I’ve wanted to make a film about surf culture in Wales, which combines my love of surfing and my love of Wales and photography. I’ve recently had some interest in the project which is exciting, but sourcing funding for a project of this scale is still a massive task. However, I like a challenge and I believe it’s good to have something to work towards in life!
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POLO
“This was my first visit to St Davids Polo and it certainly won’t be my last. It’s a great day out and I’d thoroughly recommend it.” |
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| Judith Edgell, Debbie Mulberry, Caroline Callow |
Judy Mancuso, Pepe Mancuso |
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| Having a drink, watching the sport |
Relaxing in their pod! |
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| Fortunately the rain held off and everyone enjoyed the day |
Kirsty Elliot, Sophie Hall, Sue Jones, Roz Paul, Bridget Hall |
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| Wendy Morgan, David Thomas, Sally & Richard James-Williams |
Lynda and Margaret Demerios and friends |
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| Lynda and Margaret Demerios and friends |
The Polo organisers and teams ensured that a great day out was had by all |
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| Alison Gibbon, Frank Holmes, Nicola Gibson |
James Henry Sykes-Hagen, centre, and friends |
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| Enjoying a glass of bubbly |
Vale Life and guests enjoy the proceedings |
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| Lady in Red celebrates in style. |
Mike Clarke and friends |
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