On Saturday, 29th June, Clare Williams, aka The Glad Satsuma, had the fantastic opportunity to lead the Runcorn route of The Big Film Photowalk, in association with Analogue Wonderland and Kodak. This event was part of a network of over 40 analogue photowalks, all taking place simultaneously across the UK—making it the largest photowalk event of its kind ever held!
Meet the intrepid participants!
Setting Off from Hazlehurst Studios:
The walk kicked off at Hazlehurst Studios, with participants gathering in Gallery Room 2. It was the perfect spot to break the ice, as everyone chatted, loaded their complimentary Kodak film, and prepared for the walk. Each participant received a free copy of Illustrated Stories from Dukesfield, written by Claire Pitt and illustrated by Millie Chesters.
Getting ready for the day! Images by Lauren Quayle
Throughout the walk, Claire Pitt shared her fascinating historical insights into Runcorn, guiding the group through the town’s rich past at each stop along the route. Alongside Clare Williams, photographer Lauren Quayle captured the day’s events, documenting the walk with her photography and helping bring the experience to life.
Walking alongside the Bridgewater Canal - Images by Lauren Quayle
A Tour of Local Highlights:
From Hazlehurst, the group set off to explore some of Runcorn’s most iconic spots. One of the standout moments was a visit to the Wat Phra Singh Buddhist Temple, where participants were welcomed inside to photograph the temple’s serene and beautiful interior.
Inside the temple - Images by Lauren Quayle
Wat Phra Singh Images from walk participants: Clare Williams, Steph Osbourne, Emma Jutson, Tom McMillen
The group also enjoyed walking through the newly unveiled Peace Garden outside the temple.
The Peace Garden images by Lauren Quayle
Through the Dukey Tunnel:
Little A captured this brilliant shot of Nicola aka Drawn to Science
It was then onward towards the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey, with time to take in the Silver Jubilee Bridge.
Visiting the site of the upcoming Runcorn Street Art Project images by Lauren Quayle
Documenting the documenters! Images by Lauren Quayle
A major highlight was seeing a large container ship sailing towards Liverpool, with waves and horn toots from the crew adding a touch of excitement to the moment. A few of the Runcorn locals on the walk had never seen a ship there before, so it was something quite special for them and the people from out of town were over the moon with the spectacle!
Looking across at the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey by Lauren Quayle
Image captured by Judith Wilde
Building Community Through Photography:
The group was made up of both familiar faces from previous Snap & Social walks and newcomers. It was heartwarming to see everyone connecting, sharing tips on camera settings, and helping each other with compositions. Participants also swapped social media handles, posed for photos, and discussed their favourite photography techniques, creating a wonderful sense of community.
Gallery of Images taken by the participants of the walk: Clare Williams, Steph Osbourne, Emma Jutson, Tom McMillen, Little A, Judith Wilde, Ged Savage West, Nic Davies, Paul Williams
Wrapping Up at Hazlehurst:
After the walk, the group returned to Hazlehurst Studios for some well-earned tea and biscuits. A few stayed on for a black-and-white film development taster session, rounding off the day on a high note. The excitement from the event has left Clare and the team eager to organise more photowalks and analogue photography activities.
Would you be interested in more analogue photowalks or film photography events at Hazlehurst Studios? Let us know your thoughts—your feedback will help us shape future events and continue building our analogue photography community!
To see the broader impact of The Big Film Photowalk across the UK, take a look at Analogue Wonderland’s wrap-up to see how other groups captured the day.
Hazlehurst Analog Photo Collective
Interested in continuing your photography journey? Join us at the Hazlehurst Analog Photo Collective—a monthly gathering where photographers and lens-based artists come together to develop their skills, experiment with film, and explore the wonderful world of analogue. The next session is on Thursday, 21st November 2024—don’t miss it!
Hazlehurst Snap & Social
If you’re looking to explore more of your photography skills in a relaxed, social environment, check out Hazlehurst Snap & Social, our monthly group walks led by resident studio artist Lauren Quayle.
The walk is a fantastic opportunity to explore local green spaces and interesting spots while capturing the beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re new to photography, looking to sharpen your skills, or a seasoned pro, Hazlehurst Snap & Social welcomes everyone. The emphasis is just as much on exploring and socialising with like-minded people as it is on photography.
The next session is on Saturday, 16th November 2024—don’t miss it!
Want to join us? You can find out more and book your place on Eventbrite here.
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