Eager to take a walk with their cameras, the students didn't take much cajoling to get started on their latest field trip. Walking from the school in the early spring sun, we went the back way to Eglwys Llandingat, which is on the south-western edge of town. It has a fine lych gate and stands in the midst of a large graveyard. Because of its situation, the surrounding hills can be seen in a number of directions, giving photo opportunities that were very welcome in landscape terms. Everybody made the most of this by framing some of their shots to include the yew trees, the church building and the distant scenery.
Above: The Lych Gate at Eglwys Llandingat is a nice gathering place for Pantycelyn
Though we were unable to go inside due to there being a class going on, we were able to maximise on outdoor possibilities by exploring the extensive grounds and taking plenty of pictures of gravestones, mosses, lichen and some early flowers. There was a lot of creative thinking happening, with new angles being used to good effect. Examples of this were getting right down on the ground to photograph flowers against the sky and looking up the side if the church's tower to emphasise the vanishing points. After we had taken the group shot in the shelter of the lych gate, we made our way back to school, where looking at their three best shots of the morning was a real pleasure.
Ysgol Rhys Pritchard
In a big bus today, we travelled up the Brecon road a few miles and turned off to go through the hamlet of Pentre Ty Gwyn. Further still up the very narrow road, we stopped at Pantycelyn Farm, where Mrs. Williams very warmly welcomed us. She is a direct descendent of the famous hymn writer William Williams. Not only is our other Llandovery school named after it, but also it is a place of pilgrimage for people from around the world. We timed it right because we had the place to ourselves and Mrs. Williams could devote her attentions entirely to the awed children. First, we took lots of pictures of the farm itself, which nestles in a shallow valley.
Above: Ysgol Rhys Pritchard children and staff welcomed to Pantycelyn by Mrs. Williams
There were many subjects here and it took quite a while before the kids were ready to walk up to the farm buildings where we were allowed in to admire the sheep and their newly born lambs. Trying to be a quiet as possible, the children photographed all they saw. Back outside, we went back to the farmhouse and, taking off our boots, we were welcomed into the Williams' home. Admiring the historic items, including paintings, plates, books and a grandfather clock, we then all signed the visitors' book. It had been a very interesting and educational field trip for us all and the children evidently were inspired, judging by the quality of their best three shots shown back in class.
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