This being my first newsletter report I thought I would first like to say how proud I am to be taking on the role as president, daunting though it is when I have such a hard act to follow. Ian bought such a sense of fun and humour to the meetings. I hope nevertheless to do a good job and support you all, as you would hope a president should.

I thought I should give you all a quick ‘snap shot’ of me and my interest in photography. This started many years ago when Roy asked me to go along to the local camera club with him, “so he would have someone to talk to”. Having a 2 month old baby this seemed a good escape for a couple of hours so I jumped at the chance. It did not take me long to be asking for a camera of my own, that was some 30+ years ago and I still enjoy taking photos. I have not been very competitive and I do not have any letters after my name, but I very much appreciate looking at photographs and taking part in local club competitions.

I spent time on the committee at New Forest, our first camera club and over the years on the committee for Viewfinders.

So how do I find myself on the Council? One evening in the pub after a club reps meeting, I think I had a weak moment, only joking of course, I offered to join Council not really knowing what I would be letting myself in for. I can honestly say I have enjoyed the last 3 years, as council member then as secretary and I know I shall enjoy my time as president. The council meetings, like the club reps meetings can be lively and fun.

I have already had the pleasure of attending Southampton Camera Club to present a roll of honour to Glyn Edmonds with the bonus of staying the evening to hear Leigh Preston’s lecture. This is only the start, I shall be out and about as I have three more waiting to be presented.

I hope over the next two years to come to many of the clubs within the Federation not only to present roll of honour awards to worthy members but perhaps to open exhibitions or just to support a special function you might have? As many of you know I usually accompany Roy when he is out judging so you will also see me when I do my navigator bit.
After much consideration about the slide championships I can report that council have decided to make this coming February the last one and on the same evening to hold the first ever social event in the form of a quiz and supper. More details on this to follow at the club reps meeting. I hope the social event will be the first of many more to come but we can only keep these things going if we have the support so please spread the word and get a group together to attend.

I look forward to seeing you all in the near future.

As an extra:-

We enjoyed the Slide Championship at Warwick and our picnic in the bus shelter but it was disappointing and a sure sign of the times that the event was not very well supported with very few people present today.

There were 31 clubs taking part, Wigan 10 won (they did say all their work was digital turned into slide), Carluke 2nd place, Wrekin Arts 3rd place.

In the Plate; Smethwick won, South Manchester 2nd, Beeston 3rd place. Southampton took 5th place but Spectrum were 16th out of 21 clubs.

Smethwick had 97 points, Southampton 91, Spectrum 86, so as you can see there was not a wide spread of marks.