Another glittering occasion took place at Avoncroft Arts Centre on Tuesday 16th May when BPS held its annual awards event to celebrate and congratulate members on their achievements throughout the year. Best bib and tucker was the order of the evening which commenced with a sumptuous wine and buffet supper. Then over to the serious business of handing out the 412 certificates and 43 individual trophies representing the successes and high standards reached this year.
Roger Lewis, Chair commented “Another exciting year with lots of our new members submitting work into the competitions pushing standards even higher with a special nod to our lady members who are going from strength to strength. On many occasions, this has given our judges a hard time picking overall winners. I would like to say a very well done to all those who received awards but in particular I would like to particularly congratulate the following.
Sue Vernon for achieving the Best Newcomer Award and winning 8 individual trophies and 47 certificates of achievement, a feat unknown in recent history.
Mike Troth one of our more established members for another successful year with an outstanding 6 individual trophies and 26 certificates of achievement.
Colin Close for representing the Society in national and international competitions achieving 93 International acceptances putting him and Bromsgrove firmly on the world photography map as well as 59 country- wide UK acceptances.
The Services to the Society Trophy was a particularly difficult choice with six nominations which this year was based on help, organisation and mentoring of our newer members. The trophy finally went to Adrian Butt for his enthusiastic sharing of his Photoshop and Lightroom software knowledge plus his willingness to get involved with anything member related.”
Other notable Certificates of Achievements went to Roger Tyler with 27, President Barry Green with 26, Jenny Webster with 17, Julie Hall, Michelle Chance, Pat Billyard and Roger Lewis all with 15 certificates each and were part of the total 46 members who received certificates.
A moving and pleasant moment came when the family of previous Vice Chair Mike Cox who had had a serious and debilitating stroke last year was welcomed in by his many friends before having to return back to St John’s Court Nursing Home.
Also welcomed as a special guest was Angela Garnett, the wife of the late Peter Garnett (our previous Chair) who passed away last year. Angela kindly agreed for us to put a portfolio of Peter’s prints on display which was admired by many.
Not wishing to take anything away from the big winners it is when you look at the statistics over the year the secret seems to be the more you enter, the better the odds, so more entries please, and we could be calling your name out next year.
Thanks go to Janet Cox for the excellent buffet, with a wide variety of tempting snacks and plenty of them. Janet’s home-made cup cakes were certainly more than delicious.
All in all our Awards Evening was a good, fun evening with many laughs and chatter amongst friends as well as an acknowledgement to all those who had achieved throughout the year.
Roger Lewis
Chairman