Norton Radstock Photographic Society warmly welcomed their President to the meeting last Thursday and thank Bill Collett for arranging her safe transportation to and from the venue, in the knowledge that without him she would find it very difficult to join us.

Jenny Short, member and Chair, said: "We again asked Margot to judge our annual competition for the Witcombe Trophy, in the absence of a public vote at an Exhibition, which has not taken place since the Pandemic, but which we hope to resume next year. The theme was broadly “Christmas” and Margot said she really enjoys the challenge of choosing the winner, and this was no exception.

There were entries from many and they ranged from snowy walkways to glitzy baubles and featured the changing face of the Abbey in winter, swathed in the ever changing lights projected onto its towering walls as well as a succession of Santas both real and ornamental. Margot was not swayed by the technicalities of bokeh or single light sources, and instead went for what made her feel most Christmassy- a worthy criterion! This, in the end resulted in 3rd place being awarded to Lou Bailey for “Santa”. Jill Toman took both 2nd and 1st place this year with the iconic bath Abbey lit up with Christmas projections and an angelic portrait of a child in a School Christmas play in traditional white and tinsel. The evening continued with a light hearted look at changes that members had made to competition entries following judge’s comments.

The three winning images will be added to the Competition website after the Annual Awards Dinner in March at which we shall also display the winners of Picture of the Year 2022 and those gaining most points in colour and mono events during that year will receive their trophies."

Jenny Short