The season may be drawing to a close, but there is no slowing down at Retford and District Photographic Society. Most recently, the club held its memorial trophy competitions, which attracted a good number of entries.
First was the Denis Rich Memorial Trophy, awarded for the printed image judged by attending members to be their favourite. The selection was varied and fascinating, ranging from conventional to modern and innovative, from fragile nature to heavy engineering.
The winning entry was Seeing the Light, featuring a tiny chick caught in a beam of light. The fact that members selected Lee Dalgliesh as their winner reinforced the decisions made by judges throughout the season. Similarly, it was no surprise to learn that Alan Burkwood was the author of the image showing a steam engine puffing out vast, billowing clouds, aptly titled Maximum Effort. Alan secured the runner-up position.
Among the other entries was a striking image of the demolition of the chimney at Cottam Power Station. Another image drew particular attention for its creativity – a monochrome photo of a train with the corner seemingly ‘turned back’ to reveal the front of the train in colour.
For the Rosemary Wright Memorial Trophy, awarded for members’ favourite digital image, the entries were displayed on the big screen. Once again, the range of entries was broad, but this time, it was two new names who earned top honours.
Kerry Muscott took second place with Nut, Bolt City Limits – a cleverly arranged composition of screws, nuts, bolts, screwdrivers and more on a reflective surface. Lit to produce striking reflections, the result resembled a riverside cityscape.
The winner was Aime Hauton, a junior member who joined earlier this year, with Three Windows. The image captured not only the interior light and the windows but also a beautifully exposed mountainous view beyond.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Brian Mosley Memorial Trophy, recently repurposed from audio-visual compilations to composite images. The trophy was awarded to Joyce Bell for Snow Dancer, with Pat Oaks taking second place with Thor, marking a successful evening.
The following week’s practical exercise in Retford was planned to take place after sunset. The season will conclude with a wildlife talk by Bob Brind-Surch, a returning speaker known for his engaging presentations, followed by the AGM on Monday 28th April.
The society meets at St Joseph’s Hall, Babworth Road, Retford at 7.30pm every Monday until the end of April 2025. For more information about the club and its programme, visit www.retford-photographic.co.uk.