Summer 2008
Chairman’s Newsletter July 2008
With the completion of the “Winter Season” and the Summer programme underway in the capable hands of Keith, deploying his inventive skills as well, it is time to reflect on the second part of our year and view the whole year in perspective.
Development and change seem to have been the key notes. As we began to digest the implications of digital projection and the techniques best suited to the file preparation, thoughts seemed to turn (back dare I say?) to the inventive, creative and artistic aspects of our art.
The ever present, yet somewhat subdued, informal sharing of knowledge amongst members suddenly burst into life like a desert after rain!! David and Mike organised a number of workshops for 2-8 people to “spread the good news” about Proshow Gold. Richard ran a similar effort as “close up” work (close up and personal?), Keith willingly divulged his explorations of Photoshop with “How to do it” lectures. How about “Home Plumbing” for next year Keith?
The “In House” efforts were bolstered by a one day Symposium by the renowned and redoubtable Barry Beckham who divulged his use of Photoshop to amazing effect. Yet another “First” was the regular lecture by Ian Wood on the Techniques of Panoramic Photography. This raised sufficient interest for a further one day workshop for a maximum of “10 pupils” that he could practically work with. All reports were enthusiastic and some members began to develop their own techniques (albeit with hefty software support).
Of course “the” divergence from the norm was the in house Audio Visual Competition which attracted some excellent entries, a big audience and a helpful judge in Roger Mallison. The entries revealed deep insight into the character and philosophies of the entrants. We can only go from strength to strength on this basis.
All in all the years programme organised by Emyr administered by David and Mark was varied, instructive and entertaining. The competitions were very well supported, but with up to 100 entries our judges were sometimes stretched to the limits of endurance! (and the members to the limits of stamina!)
Overall the club has seen a steady growth with 44 members at the beginning of the season and 53 at the end. More importantly in some respects there has been an influx of younger members and this is reflected by the arrival of Paul’s daughter. We offer our congratulations and hopes for a god life ahead!! It must be a few years since such joys has suffused our ranks!! There will doubtless be some more to come! In contrast two committee stalwarts decided to “call it a day”. Both Eric our treasurer (you could trust him with your own money- certainly I would!) and Richard (one time chairman and organiser and and and ………) goes back so far that even he is uncertain!! There service to the club over the several decades has ensured its survival through the good times and not so good. We thank them profoundly, but doubt whether they will become total inactive!!
When I announced that after 50 years of “silver reduction” I had finally brought a digital camera (Nikon D80), a round of applause developed. It will take me another 50 years to understand it!
Finally, your new committee was elected at the AGM in May and comprises:
Chairman Tony
Deputy Chair David
Secretary Ian
Treasurer Derek
Comp Sec Mark
Programme Sec Keith
Committee members Terry
Perta
Neil
They have a great balance of energy, skill and enthusiasm which should carry us forward for a few more years. It seems likely that the relocation of David Morris to Glastonbury will rob us of his regular input but his legacy of the 2008-09 programme is sufficient testimony to his creative organizational flair. I look forward to the new season with some inimitable enthusiasm.
Shoot Straight, Shoot true and keep it “Light”
Tony
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