AV News 179 - February 2010
2nd Novice AV Competition
J e n n y a n d M a lc o lm G e e LRPS
We have had a long-standing interest in AV, but for many years other
commitments have prevented us from really getting involved. On retirement
we resolved to put this right, but first of all we had to make the leap from
analogue to digital and all that that involves! Members of the Essex AV Group
have been most helpful and encouraging in this respect and it's been well
worthwhile driving down from Norwich to their major events.
In November 2008 the Essex Audio Visual Group organized their first
Novice Audio Visual Competition and by popular demand the event was
repeated on 14th November 2009. Entries, not exceeding two in number with
a total running time of 10 minutes, were encouraged from anyone in East
Anglia, who had not previously won any significant award at any level; the
only proviso being that you had to attend on the day.
So, with a weather forecast of the worst storms of the year approaching,
over 40 of us gathered in the village hall at Margaretting to view a total of 23
sequences by 22 authors during the morning and afternoon sessions. Dave
Wilcox, Sylvia Williams and Mike Woolnough, all very experienced and
internationally known AV workers, formed the judging panel and took it in
turns to give a short critique after each presentation.
When welcoming everyone at the start of the day, Dick Williams (Chairman
of the Essex AV Group) stressed that the whole objective of the day was to
learn by participation and not just to win. Subjects and styles varied
considerably and provided a most enjoyable day's viewing.
The winner of the gold medal was
Peter Crane with his sequence 'A
Fathers Prayer'. Iris Donovan's
'Rocky Mountain Magic' came
second, and 'Ely Cathedral' by Ian
Kippax was in third place.
Certificates were also presented
to Tony Spiers, Jake Pursey, Josè
and John Currant, Andrew Pickess
and Jenny and Malcolm Gee, whose
sequences were awarded Highly
Commended by the judges.
All the other participants received
a certificate in recognition that they
had taken part in the competition.
Peter Crane & Mike Woolnough
In their concluding remarks, the judges gave some very helpful advice. They
stressed the concept that 'less is more' - i.e. quality is better than quantity, so
sequences should be kept short and snappy and transition effects should not
be overdone ('no need to use all the tools in the box' was one comment)!
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