AV News 194 - November 2013
Film does a very different job, conveying an atmosphere, as opposed to a
single moment trapped in time. Other titles such as ‘Adrift in Time’ and
‘Trapped in Time’ also recognise the quality of the single image. Ron's own
masterpiece ‘Freeze Frame’, uses the photograph of an innocent child who
grew up to be a murderer as a powerful symbol of lost innocence. ‘Freeze
Frame’ is particularly important to me because my son is the face in the
image. The photograph was taken when he celebrated his fifth birthday.
When he grows up and we watch Ron's sequence together, it will be a
reminder of an important moment in his young life.
Perhaps the most satisfying thing about going to any festival is learning
new things. During the one and a half sessions I was able to attend I found
out about how Harris Tweed is made, the Venice Mask Festival and a
Kenyan scheme for orphaned children. But most importantly I learned about
the power of AV.
My only disappointment was that, owing to a prior engagement, I had to
leave early. This meant I missed many of the winning sequences. As I left, I
looked in the programme and saw that one of the sequences I was to miss
was called ‘The Unfinished Masterpiece’. That's how I felt about the
weekend; Wonderful but unfinished. I hope I will be able to go to the whole of
the next festival in two years time.
18th National AV Championships
Graham Yetts
I am sitting after lunch on Saturday 14th September
in the grounds of Nottingham University Agricultural
College campus, when I am joined by such luminaries
as Carol and Howard Bagshaw, Pat and Jeff Mansell
and also the Editors of AV News. In such company
you would think I must be of note, but no I am only a
lowly member of the Essex AV Group. So these are
my thoughts on the 18th National Championships.
Friday evening, was given over to a tribute to the
work of two ladies who did so much for our hobby over
the years. Richard Brown FRPS presented several sequences by Lady Doreen
Pollock and Valerie Rawlins, both of whom we have sadly lost within the last
year. This presentation was received with a lot of interest and love for both
ladies. It was very interesting to see some of Lady Dorren’s slide/tape
sequences dating back to the 1970’s, very different from those of today.
Thank you to all who assisted Richard to compile this fitting tribute.
Saturday saw a full day with two projection sessions, the RPS AV Group
AGM and the Gala Dinner. The sessions started with an introductory
sequence produced by Howard Bagshaw and we saw some very fine work
and had a great day. The Gala Dinner is a time to dress up in all our finery,
party frocks and tiaras! The ladies looked so stunning, it was a shame the men
did not make more effort, but a good time was had by all on my table.
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