By the time you read this 2007 will be history and 2008 will be well under way; even though, due to publication deadlines, I am writing these notes in December.
Sheila and I along with seventy others from the Federation have just got back from a very enjoyable weekend at the Nova Hotel. What a cracking Christmas Spectacular it was too, with four members of Wigan 10 giving us a superb display of photography. I really do not think anyone can have left without being inspired in some way.
As I look back over the year, the number of changes has been quite substantial; not least the introduction of electronic images to this year's International Exhibition in September. A most gratifying entry of over 1250 electronic images made the event one of the most successful for a few years. Let's not forget the slides though because, the standard in both the Nature and Photo-Travel Sections was quite exceptional.
In October the Federation held its annual Presentation Evening and once again the event has to be judged a real success, if the feedback that I have received is to be believed. Once again the upsurge in electronic imaging was evident, with successful digital entries from April's Annual Competitions being projected as well as Prints and Slides.
The NCPF Club Championships in 2008 (probably held by the time you read this) is to be the last time that slides will be included in the competition, for in 2009 prints will be accompanied by electronic images instead. Similarly the 2008 National Championship at Warwick will be the last slide event, with that also "going digital" the following year. In addition the 2008 Inter-Federation Slide Competition will be a dual projection event; so our selectors will be looking closely at the Electronic Imaging Section of our Annual Competitions in April as well as at the Slides. Prints will continue as usual.
In June of this year, the Judges' Sub-committee is to run another 'Judging Seminar'; this time it will be in the North East of the Federation with Cambois CC hosting the event. There is a continual need for us to find new judges in the Federation, if only to cater for natural wastage (what a horrible phrase), but there is also a need for our established judges to hone their skills. Judges' seminars are an ideal opportunity for both requirements.
Thinking of that; would you like to be a judge? It is not as difficult as you may think, and it can be most enjoyable as well as rewarding. Why not book yourself in to the seminar and have a go? You'll not regret it.
In November of 2008 the Federation will be hosting the PAGB's Adjudications for the 'Awards for Photographic Merit'. Over the last year or two these events, held in April and November each year, have been booked up months in advance, so if you have a mind to put yourself forward, do not delay.
These are the last 'President's Ramblings' from me because, faster than I could have imagined, my term of office is rapidly drawing to a close. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as your President and both Sheila and I will look back on these two years with affection. We would like to thank all those who have contributed to making them so memorable. Whether I have been officiating at events, presenting one of my slide shows, or judging one of your competitions, we have both been greeted enthusiastically and treated with the utmost courtesy and hospitality. Yes there have been problems to deal with; they come with the territory, but I would like to think that, with the unstinting support of the Executive, the outcome has generally been successful.
It is also so very pleasing to note that the downward trend in club membership seems to have been arrested, with the majority of clubs in the Federation enjoying increases over the last two years. Although we have a net loss in actual numbers of clubs, new ones continue to affiliate to the Federation and I feel sure that we can all look to the future with more confidence than perhaps we did a few years ago.
One theme that has threaded its way through both my ramblings and my term in office has been that of change and, hopefully improvement. Another has been the fantastic support the Federation has enjoyed from its volunteers. At this point I must extend another thank you to those stalwarts who for one reason or another have retired from active support and work for the Federation. In consequence a number of new faces have appeared on the Executive and are already playing important roles in what is very much a team effort by all.
I expect that changes will continue to occur, it is inevitable, but I have no doubt that my Vice-President, John Smith APAGB, will enjoy the same level of support that I have and I offer him my best wishes.
Dave Coates