On Tuesday 9th November 2004, Martin Reece MBE ARPS came to the Gateacre Chapel Hall to give us a pictorial presentation entitled 'People and Places'. He is a most skilled photographer, using a Canon digital camera. His interests are wide and this was reflected in the pictures we saw. Many of them were accompanied by music - like a wonderful cinema show.

Martin began life in Lincoln, where his father was in the Fire Service. Martin moved eventually to Liverpool, he too was in the Fire Brigade until retiring 2½ years ago. He was invested with the MBE in recognition of his work for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

We saw a wide range of excellent pictures of Liverpool: firefighters and fire engines, the Liver Buildings by night, an Elvis impersonator at the Mathew Street Festival, the Palm House, an Art Deco window at the old airport. Then some magnificent studies taken at Knowsley Safari Park: an elephant's skin, eyelashes and face, a group of deer and a superb tiger. We moved to Regents Park and saw herons, then to a Gloucestershire bird sanctuary for studies of birds of prey and owls. Then brilliant photographs of the Red Arrows and other aircraft - including a Stealth bomber - at the Fairford Air Tattoo.

Martin took us on a cruising holiday to Norway, and across the Arctic Circle. He showed us Northumbria, including wonderful studies of the 'Angel of the North' and Dunstanburgh Castle. He took us skiing to Zermatt, with striking pictures of the Matterhorn, a St Bernard dog, snow scenes, icicles and a study of skis outside a mountain hut.

Perhaps the most spectacular shots were of the Venice Carnival. Misty pictures of the Salute, the canals and many studies of masked, richly-costumed people taking part in the carnival. St Mark's Square, packed with visitors, contrasted with late-afternoon reflections in the canals.

This was a show to remember - and this account is just a 'taster'. We saw, and heard, much more. Thank you Martin.