Camera club capture stunning pictures around Whitchurch

The cosmic ballet goes on, as it has since time immemorial, and humanity has always held these occasions as significant.

The Summer solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the Sun gives us during the long nights of summer, both to our actual crops but also to the continual journey we travel from darkness to light.

In the days leading up to the summer solstice, the ancient Romans celebrated Vestalia, a religious festival in honor of Vesta, goddess of the hearth.

These days people are no less reserved and some will have marked the longest day of the year dancing around outdoor fires in varying states of dress.

And with all that done and dusted it is finally time to roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

For even the most ordinary and mundane parts of life are more pleasurable with the sunshine on your back.

Conversations with an awkward neighbour, the walk over the bridge to get a pint of milk in the morning and even dodging of dog mess.

All become slightly less of a chore when the sun is shining.

Of course long trips are not the most pleasurable on a hot day but then that is why some genius invented ice lollies.

I am sure we will all dop our proverbial hats to this unchampioned genius at some point during the summer when the sunny days return.

Until then, stock up and prepare and ensure you are ready to enjoy summer.

Damselflies in the light. Picture by Brian Roberts.

Summer sun in Prees. Picture by Tim Dickenson.

A mistle thrush. Picture by Steve Beech.

A surprise garden sight. Picture by Josie Bennion.

F35 Lightning at RAF Cosford Air Show. Picture by Kathryn Goddard.

A picture to never 'tyre' of. Picture by Steve Beech.

A pair of thrushes. Picture by Mark Lewis.