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3rd March 2010
The Year Marches On...
- News and views by Christine Hodgson
The general consensus seems to be that we have had/are having a hard winter, long spells of ice and frost, snow by the bucketful, cold temperatures with winds that cut right through you, and consequently heating bills that threaten to go through the roof! A lot of flood repairs still to be done in West Cumbria, not least the rebuilding of a road bridge to re-connect the north side of Workington with the south, so perhaps a time for thrift and care by those who hold our community purses, but also a need for generosity from us as we shop locally in order to support local businesses and residents in their quest for recovery. Happily there are signs of spring already around us and with these comes the hope of some kinder, gentler weather with longer daylight hours which will hopefully assist with all the work needing to be done.
GBSPC
Summergrove proved to be an excellent venue in which to hold the second Great British Small Print Circuit, with the management and staff being extremely helpful and obliging.
'Many hands make light work' was certainly the theme of the West Cumbrian weekend as our own members and some willing folks from neighbouring clubs settled into the various roles and resonsibilities. Simultaneous judgings took place throughout both days, was expertly co-ordinated and all ran very smoothly. Some minor tensions whilst choosing awards at the end of the day when everyone was getting tired, highlighted the need for more thought about how this part may work better in the future.
Some WCPG members took up the opportunity to judge for the first time during the weekend, and I for one found it a pleasurable and valuable learning experience.
Not Maggie and Reagan this time, or Blair and Bush, but Joanne Stolte APSA, EPSA, membership vice president of the Photographic Society of America, who travelled over from California to be one of the judges for the circuit. Joanne was already known to some of us from our trips to the U.S. when attending the PSA conferences. She spent a few days in West Cumbria's glorious winter weather before travelling up to Dumfries to complete her obligations in the circuit judgings. We hope you enjoyed your stay Joanne, and Tony will I'm sure, be looking forward to the reciprocal arrangement.
A very big thank you to Joanne and all the other folks who travelled from Wales, the North East, South East, Midlands and our own county to judge and help out in various ways. The circuit couldn't have run without you, and this coupled with the brilliant organizational skills of 'him at the top' made it a very successful event, although I expect you are all planning to be away this time next year!!
The last time this group met together prior to the circuit, we were all able to say goodbye and to bid Fred and Jan Dockwray a safe journey as they leave England to join their daughter and grandson in Australia. They have already made photographic friends over there and plan to continue taking pictures as well as keeping in contact via email.
We wish you both well, you will be missed in WCPG, but we look forward to hearing your news and tales about your new life and also seeing some of your pictures. Take care. X.