AV News Magazine | Page 36

AV News 180 - May 2010 Our Day Out G le n y s & J im C o o k e Well, that was the place to be on Saturday, the 20th February 2010. "Where?" I can hear you asking. We were at Croston in South Lancashire for the L&CPU's (Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union) AV competition. We were not participants but we had gone there to see exactly what kind of work had been produced as we are keen to develop our own AV skills. We were welcomed outside the venue by one of the members and entered to be greeted once more when we signed in. At 10.00 am approx., everyone was greeted by the organiser and the show began. We were spellbound by each production as each one was so different to all the others, with storytelling, commentaries and music of various genre accompanying each picture show. We had commentaries on historical events, on people of note, cartoons, pop music, classical music, humour and pathos. Some of the stories and photographs were very poignant which almost produced tears, certainly a lump in the throat, whilst others made us laugh. The standard of the work from all 16 entrants was amazing. The judges Linda and Edgar Gibbs were very supportive and constructive, which we found helpful to determine what we could practice in our future attempts to emulate these works. After seeing all the entries and hearing the judges comments, we had a break for lunch when we were able to speak about the various AV clubs, etc in the area where we live. We received nothing but encouragement and sound advice from everyone we spoke to. After lunch the winners, actually in our opinions all the entrants were winners, were announced and trophies and certificates were presented. We were disappointed when the proceedings were closed as we had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and left on an emotional high. Roll on next year's competition, but till then we have a plan, we have music, we just need photographs. All of the winners were from Wilmslow Guild AV Group. 1st "Migrant Mother" Howard Bagshaw ARPS Commended & Jackass award "Discovery" Michael Oates 2nd "A Christmas Carol" Jill K Bunting; 3rd "Blackburn Diva" Sheila Davies; H/C "Escape" Suzanne Walker. See www.avnews.org.uk for list of entries. Page 34