editor David Jordan
The Editor Writes It seems barely five minutes since I was leafing through the Outdoor Focus , Winter 2023 issue , the first physical copy I had received as a new member of OWPG . I ’ d been intrigued by the write-up of the 2023 Big Weekend . When the details came round for the 2024 Big Weekend , I almost didn ’ t go . I hadn ’ t been a member for long , I hadn ’ t engaged with the Guild much , and I didn ’ t really know anyone , although I knew a few names from books on my shelves .
As it often is , it was a hill day , with a friend , that changed my mind . Away from the desk and ‘ noise ’ of life we chatted about the challenge of balancing the work I wanted to do , and the necessity of taking on ‘ other ’ work , that would replenish the funds I had just spent taking two years out to work on a big outdoor writing project . Thinking about how hard it is to make a living in outdoor media , I realised that I was probably not alone , and if nothing else I would have that in common with , at least some others at the Big Weekend , so I went .
I ’ d seen the request go out for new committee members , and volunteers to take on various roles . Once again , I almost dismissed myself out of hand . It ’ s a bad habit . There ’ d be more
p8 – 13 experienced people , those with specific skills suited to the roles that needed filling , especially the Outdoor Focus editor role , that would be a coveted position surely ! I ’ d been reading a blog about the nature of adventure . It seemed automatic , to me at least , to associate adventure with the outdoors , with fierce weather , and travel that entails uncertainty . This blog asked me to consider adventure differently . It was something that challenged me , something with a journey too , but perhaps not a physical one , and something with an uncertain outcome . It nudged a hesitant me to be bolder , so I put my hand up !
So here I am , writing my first ever editor ’ s note . I ’ ve a lot to learn , and I ’ m very grateful to Ronald Turnbull for agreeing to guide me as Assistant Editor , at least in the beginning , as well as other members who have offered their help and advice . There ’ ll be errors I ’ m sure , and my design skills will need to improve , but it ’ s an adventure , and I will learn . And as I write this , I realise that this is exactly what the Guild is for : to share experience , to support each other , and to have some fun along the way . If my first Big Weekend is anything to go by then there will be all three , in abundance .
David Jordan
Flying high at the Guild ’ s annual Big Weekend at Preston Montford ; walks and workshops , voting , boating and airborne adventure . p8
Focussing on our Future : “ Integrity is Key ” p5
Looking back facing forward : retiring Guild Chair Stan Abbott
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The OWPG ’ s Awards for Excellence : prizewiners
Editor David Jordan editor @ owpg . org . uk Design David Jordan , Ronald Turnbull Cover Dawn on the summit of Ben Macdui , looking across to Braeriach photographer : Alex Roddie
The Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild ( OWPG ) is the only UK-based association of media professionals working largely or entirely on outdoor subjects . Our membership covers every field of activity and all corners of the globe . We include writers , journalists , bloggers , photographers , publishers and editors , all with a passionate interest in the outdoors . For information on who we are , what we do , and where we ’ ve been , visit www . owpg . org . uk – or join us on Facebook .
2 OUTDOOR FOCUS Winter 2024 – 25