Another few months pass and many things seem still to be done. Where does the time go? However, I can report that one thing is done and dusted, and that is the very successful Lockdown and Weekly Challenges. The Challenges were established at the beginning of the restrictions imposed on us due to the Covid-19 epidemic. A small team of people have been helping Allan Jones to get all the information together, so that the results can be published for everyone to benefit from. In all, there were 200 images posted on the chat line for everyone to comment on and the resulting information has been presented in 15 separate publications, all available to view on the web site.

Whilst one thing is rounded off, another has been started. The Lockdown Challenge was so successful as a means of extending our knowledge on photographs in our collection, another regular feature has been launched. Now known as the Mystery Photo Challenge, a different image is posted on the chat line once a week and it is fair to say that the response so far has been equal to those of the Lockdown and Weekly Challenges. To be able to take part, you must be a member of the chat group (see page 88 for details of how to join). You will then be able to see the images and comment on them if you wish to do so. Our collective knowledge helps the Association to get a better understanding of these images, and all the information gathered is recorded on the photo database.

Talking of photographs, the new photo collections team is up and running and some very useful meetings have already taken place to discuss and develop the strategy for managing the collections. Dave Stubbings, our Photo Archivist, is also arranging some get-togethers with people who have an interest in learning more about our collections and giving them the opportunity to participate in getting things going. A meeting has already been arranged in Preston in early May and it is hoped that a number of members will be able to meet up. It is Dave’s intention that other meetings will be arranged, so please keep an eye out for them within the pages of the Lakes Express.

By the time you read these ramblings, our latest book, 'Lancaster’s Line to the Sea', a history of the Glasson branch, will be available for you to buy. It is another well-researched book by Dave Richardson. If you are interested in a copy, please see the current Lakes Express for details and please remember that there is a worthwhile discount for members!