It was just an old, rather drab-looking candlebox from the collections at the Dales Countryside Museum  at Hawes– but on January 14 it was honoured with the full attention of the volunteers who were learning how to use a small lighting tent.

The tent, with two low energy lamps producing pure white diffused light, should be a great help to the volunteers who are continuing the long job of photographing objects in the museum’s collection.

John Turner, Tony Dobson and Lynne O’Hagan had a training session with Andy Kaye, the YDNPA website manager, on January 14 on how to use the new equipment. Marcia Howard wasn’t able to get there because it was snowing in Richmond. Above: from left, John, Lynne, Tony and Andy beside the lighting tent. Click on the photograph to see more pictures.

Debbie Allen (museum officer) explained that John had started the process of photographing objects because each item in the database needs an illustration.

John said he had been a National Park volunteer for a long time now. He not only helps at the museum but also leads walks and guided tours, as well as being involved with footpath restoration.

“I quite enjoy the guided walks and the footpath service, as well as working in here. I also do walks for Holiday Property Bond properties in Askrigg. A group of us do those walks every Monday – for the National Park. We charge and that makes money for the National Park.”

Tony joined the volunteers about six years ago after he retired as an electrical fitter. “I wanted to find something to do,” he commented.

And Lynne was an archaeologist with the National Park until she had to retire due to ill health. She commented that every time she visited the museum she learnt something new.

Andy encouraged them to use high resolution cameras so that the photographs could be used in various ways by the National Park and not just on the database.

When John pointed out they wouldn’t be able to photograph objects like manuscripts inside it they discussed ways to solve that problem – either by going outside on good days where the light was naturally diffused, or using as much natural light as possible when inside.

Then it was tea time accompanied with a cake that Debbie had especially baked for John, albeit a month after his birthday.