The ‘buildings’ competition this month proved to be a challenge for members but also for judge John Scaife, who the society welcomed back with the promise of a face-to-face slot next time.

John’s comments are always well considered and equally well received as he delivers with pace and empathy with the photographers. There was a good range of subject matter from the gleaming modern to the derelict and abandoned, with all the majesty of churches, cathedrals and monuments in between. As a surveyor himself, in another life, John offered some good advice on the buildings and offered relevant tips on composition and post processing which I am sure we took on board. Tony Nineham, freshly returned from New Zealand took first place in both competitions with the efforts made by Graham Nicholls and Janice Cuer reaping some just rewards this time too.

In the Colour Competition Tony won with “Church of the Good Shepherd” whilst Jenny Short took second place with “Dutch Barn on the Mendips” and Jill Toman’s “Wells Cathedral” was third. Jill’s run down building in Katmandu was Highly Commended, together with Diana Walker’s “Building Reflection”. Suzanne Ladd, Graham Nicholls, Jane Richardson and Pamela Bruce Lockhart were all Commended.

The Mono section produced some dramatic imagery with threatening skies and interesting reflections. Commended were Diana Walker, Janice Cuer, Jenny Short, and Jill Toman whilst Graham Nicholls was Highly Commended for his “Warwal Castle in Winter” shot, and Tony Nineham again was on the board with “Christchurch Convention Centre”. In third place was Janice Cuer with “Apartment Block” . Graham Nicholls’ Kanonicza Street, Kracow” was a deserved 2nd to Tony’s winning entry, “Black and White Church”.

Next Thursday they gather for the Annual Dinner and Awards for 2022 at The Old Down pub, where the winning Picture of the Year entries will be on display, along with the usual enjoyable get together. It looks promising with more attending than in recent years. Their Zoom meeting on 30th March features Alastair Chamber’s presentation entitled “Paddy and the three Volcanoes”.

Jenny Short