Ruthin Camera Club press release 1

RUTHIN CAMERA CLUB SEASON 2011/12 - PRESS RELEASE 2

Competing hard (and well)

The last few weeks have seen a busy time for Ruthin Camera Club, particularly on the competitive front. The season’s first Major competition was held on 11th October, judged carefully and constructively by John Hoogerwerf from Mold. The winners were as follows. Colour Prints: 1st Jane Edgar (“Trattoria”), 2nd Paul Parker, 3rd Mel Williams; Monochrome Prints: 1st Arwel Williams (“Coiled Rope”), 2nd again Arwel Williams, 3rd John Ranson; Digital Projected Images: 1st Arwel Williams (“Sunset Beach”), 2nd Mike Williams, 3rd equals Annie Davies and Martin Davies.

A week later it was the turn of Andrew Kime from Blaenau Ffestiniog to exhibit prints and digital images, mainly of Snowdonia landscapes. Andrew is now semi-professional and has recently and successfully submitted panels of work to the Royal Photographic Society.

On 25th October the Club hosted the Wrexham and Hawarden Clubs in the annual Mix ‘n Match competition, judged as only he can with great good humour by Bob Morgan from Mold. Annie Davies and Martin Davies’s selections obviously did the trick because Ruthin romped home in first place, with Wrexham second.

John Darling of Caernarfon provided an excellent digital show and commentary on 1st November of a very active visit to New Zealand, involving cycle trails over wonderfully empty green countryside on long-disused railway lines, mountain walks above fiords in glorious conditions, Christchurch and its cathedral before the earthquake, and a host of anecdotes.

The second Major Competition, on 8th November, was on the theme of “Urban Scene”, judged by Diana Magor of Hoylake. Although only three members’ names appear on the winners’ list, many others were highly commended by Diana. Her winners were: Colour Prints: 1st Jane Edgar (“Urban Bridge”), 2nd also Jane Edgar, 3rd John Ranson; Monochrome Prints: 1st John Ranson (“Canary Wharf Station”), 2nd Arwel Williams, 3rd John Ranson again; Digital Projected Images: 1st Jane Edgar (“Rain on the Parade”), 2nd Jane Edgar again and 3rd Arwel Williams.

The next week saw an informal evening in which members commented on fellow members’ photographic efforts, then on the following evening an away “fixture” against Llanwrst Camera Club saw Ruthin victorious once more. Here, the overall best images in prints were shared by Jane Edgar (“The Pier at Whitby”) and Paul Parker (“White Tulip”), with Arwel Williams outright winner in digital projected with “Paris at Night”.

On 22nd November Ian Whiston from Cheshire presented his East African Odyssey, set mainly In Kenya, looking at landscapes and wildlife, from which we learnt for example that there are different types of giraffes and zebras.

Two annual competitions named after former members occupied current members on 29th November. The Bernard Woolford Trophy for the best panel of prints (3 to 6 images on a common theme) was won by John Ranson with his “Portrait of India”. John also came second, with Arwel Williams in third place. The Gordon Roberts Trophy for best black and white print was won by Arwel Williams with “Rocky Mountain Highway”. Second position also went to Arwel, with Paul Parker gaining third place. Long-time members will remember Bernard who charismatically ruled over the Mediaeval Banquets at Ruthin Castle, whilst Gordon is alive and well and sharing his time these days between the Golf Club and the Rotary Club.

In the first week of December Andrew Barton from Llangefni provided an excellent evening of prints, both monochrome and colour, with a special emphasis on Anglesey, Snowdonia, New York and Cuba. Andrew’s main message in an informative commentary was to please oneself when producing images, not be over-concerned about pleasing judges; after all, only the photographer really knows what they were trying to convey and under what conditions they were operating. Some of us would say Amen to that.

Phil Durrell
8th December 2011

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RUTHIN CAMERA CLUB SEASON 2011/12 - PRESS RELEASE 1

Under Way Again

The 2011/12 season began on 6th September with a new chairperson, Marie McDonald, and a new vice chair, Kay Culhane, so with the ladies clearly in charge a new era begins. Marie stressed that the Club aims to cover everyone from beginners to advanced photographers, and that new members are always welcome. (Meetings take place weekly until April at Trem y Foel Community Centre, Ruthin on Tuesdays at 7.45pm.) During the summer, the Club had a good presence at the Ruthin Show, with both a display and taking the official photographs. Programme Secretary Bill Evans outlined what is planned for the season ahead, Paul Parker reported on the challenging Ruthin Mini Photomarathon (with over 30 entrants), Les Starling illustrated how to restore old photos, we saw amusing shots taken from the Internet and then everyone enjoyed an excellent buffet. All round, a good start.

On 13th September Competition Secretary Arwel Williams explained the forthcoming competitions before an informal In/Out competition brought instant success to new member Byrom Barr (digital) with Mike Williams second and third, and (prints) John Ranson first and second, with Mike Hinchliffe third. Ray Davies’ winning audio-visual from last season was then shown, featuring the Chelsea Flower show and the success therein of Dibley’s Nursery at Llanelidan.

The next week saw the season’s first visiting speaker, Phil Jones of Rhyl, who spoke on his work with the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, supplemented by shots from the winners of international competitions.

On 27th September Arwel Williams talked members through the process of getting the image from the camera to a properly presented state, with John Ranson’s help on mounting prints.

Bob Birch from Conwy got October under way with an explanation of his approach to high definition audio-visual shows, greatly supported by examples including the recent history of Conwy town, the Lake District in autumn and a walk right around the coast of Anglesey, not forgetting his macabre, yet amusing, Grim Reaper production. (Don’t ask!)

Phil Durrell
5th October 2011

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RUTHIN CAMERA CLUB SEASON 2010/11 – PRESS RELEASE 4

Another good year for Ruthin Camera Club draws to a close

On 1st March 2011 Chris Kay from Mold, a familiar face, judged an Open Competition, with the following winners. In Colour Prints, 1st Jane Edgar with “The Cathedral”, 2nd Paul Parker, 3rd Jane Edgar; in Monochrome prints 1st Arwel Williams with “Winter Tree”, 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Paul Parker; and in Digital Projected Images 1st John Ranson (“Temple Procession”), 2nd Bill Evans, 3rd Jane Edgar.

On 8th March the Club did battle with old foes Llanwrst, judged by G. Jones of Marchwiel, squeezing home as winners after a tight contest.

The John Faleur Trophy for audio-visual work was won by Ray Davies (again) a week later.

Images of the Year were judged by Margaret Barber on 22nd March. In the Digitally Projected category, the winner was Jane Edgar with “End of the Pier”, and a son and father combination took second and third places, namely Martin Davies and Ray Davies. The Print category was also won by Jane Edgar, with Paul Parker second and John Ranson in third place, whilst the Slide award went to Kay Culhane, Mike Hinchliffe taking second and third spots.

Getting away from photography as a hobby, Kevin Clark provided interesting insights into its usefulness to and applications by the Police on the following week, emphasising the value of digital photography and CCTV as back-up for evidence, all officers out and about apparently now being equipped to take photos.

On 5th April Club members Mike Williams, Paul Parker and Martin Davies volunteered to speak, covering such topics as the Club’s website, photo albums and Flickr.

Next week, all members present helped to decide who won the 7x5 folio. Jane Edgar took the honours with Annie Davies and Arwel Williams coming 2nd and 3rd respectively. Afterwards we were treated to alarming images of vulcanologists getting terrifyingly close to the lava issuing from an active volcano, and were amused (and alarmed again) by shots of bikes in Bangkok.

Finally, at the AGM on 19th April, three long-serving officers (Kay Culhane, Ian Sims and Les Starling) relinquished their posts and were thanked by members, as was John Ranson who stood down as Chairman after two years to be replaced by Marie McDonald, with Kay Culhane becoming Vice Chair. One or two new faces on the committee for 2011/12 indicate the healthy state of the club. The winners of hard fought competitions through the season (and therefore not previously announced) were as follows. Mono Prints - a tie between John Ranson and Arwel Williams for first place, with Paul Parker in third; Colour Prints – Paul Parker 1st, Jane Edgar 2nd and John Ranson 3rd; Digitally Projected Images, another close result – Annie Davies 1st, Bill Evans 2nd and Jane Edgar 3rd. Members then rounded off the season with an excellent buffet supper at Trem y Foel.

In August, a selection of prints provided by the Club will be shown at Ruthin Flower Show, including the “Buildings of Ruthin” exhibition which was displayed at Nant Clwyd y Dre earlier. Weekly meetings will recommence in early September.

Phil Durrell
27th April 2011

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RUTHIN CAMERA CLUB SEASON 2010/11 – PRESS RELEASE 3

Top Speakers Come to Ruthin Camera Club

Ruthin Camera Club began 2011 on 11th January with an assortment including Digital Audio visuals produced by Barry Beckham comprising largely Australian scenes (provided by Secretary Ray Davies), followed by members’ fun images, and completed with a truly excellent set of digital images from the Royal Photographic Society’s Exhibition comprising both General and Nature shots.

On 18th January visiting speaker Stuart Lawrie gave tuition on Photoshop layers with a practical demonstration (links to his layers work sheets (PDF) are to be found on the links page of this site, also burnout and overexposed).

Then followed the third major competition ( “Locks”), a title which allowed those things on canals, those things that keys fit into, and – imaginatively and intriguingly – a few other interpretations. The winners chosen by David Flitcroft were as follows. Colour Prints: 1st Paul Parker (“Unlocking Her Heart”), 2nd Jane Edgar, 3rd John Ranson; Monochrome Prints: 1st Mike Hinchliffe (“Libyan Lock”), 2nd and 3rd Paul Parker; Digital: 1st Jane Edgar (“Secure”), 2nd Marie McDonald, 3rd Annie Davies.

T. Gwyn Williams gave a fascinating talk - an artist’s view - on 1st February about the evolution of photography, bringing us right up to date. Gwyn noted how many photos are taken today with digital cameras and how few of those images are actually printed or used. He pointed out the huge advantage of mobile phones for photography, namely that no-one notices them in use, thus making them ideal for informal portraits of people being natural, and he reminded us how the work of amateurs now features so much on TV news because people were there and able to record the scenes of 9/11, the tsunami, and so on.

The next week saw the return of old favourite Mike Williams, giving another of his hands-on sessions on portraiture under studio lighting. As a result of this, two club members now have a fine selection of pictures of themselves!

Another old favourite, Bob Morgan, explained (and showed) how Mold Camera Club had been asked to produce the official audio-visual of the National Eisteddfod at Mold a few years ago. As well as the obvious subjects of the Pafiliwn and the Maes, we saw also how the site and structures were prepared and subsequently cleared, giving a comprehensive view of how much work goes into the event. Bob and a colleague each put 100 hours into making the AV, starting with 20,000 photographs taken by 22 club members.

On 22nd February Steve Lewis made his second visit to the club to explain his thorough and painstaking approach to working with film the old-fashioned way. Many people will know of Steve’s excellent book on Snowdonia’s landscape. Chairman John Ranson rightly concluded that Steve’s methods epitomise 3 P’s – Planning, Patience and Perfection. Indeed, one could add to those Preparation and Perseverance; truly an inspiration to us all.

Phil Durrell
26th February 2011

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RUTHIN CAMERA CLUB SEASON 2010/11 – PRESS RELEASE 2

Continuing their season, on 26th October Ruthin Camera club participated in a three-way Mix’n’Match Competition at Hawarden with the Hawarden and Wrexham clubs, with that most entertaining of judges, Bob Morgan from Mold.

A week later, Llinos Lanini, also from Mold, showed how much she has progressed since first taking up photography only five years ago in middle age, with a display of her prints entitled “It’s Never Too Late”. What a good and imaginative eye she has for an unusual angle or subject.

Graham Blackwell of Wrexham judged the competition on 9th November when the set subject was “Close Up”. The winners were: Colour Print – 1st Paul Parker (“Amaryllis”), 2nd Mike Hinchliffe, 3rd Paul Parker; Monochrome Print – 1st Paul Parker (Hand to Hand Combat”), 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Arwel Williams; Digital – 1st Annie Davies (“Hi, Baby”), 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Bill Evans. Clearly, a good night for Denbigh’s Paul Parker.

The following week, Ron Williams from Anglesey gave a very good display of his work over 20 years or so, with colour and monochrome prints covering a range of subjects.

Next up as speaker, on 23rd November, was Les Hitchcock from Warrington. Les engagingly showed his fine audio-visual and large prints of a number of trips to Poland, where big steam trains starred but enhanced too by landscapes.

Two competitions, with trophies named after former members, were judged on 30th November by David Frith. The Gordon Roberts Trophy for best monochrome print was won by Paul Parker (yes, him again) with “Lightening the Darkness”, with Bill Evans and Mike Hinchliffe coming second and third respectively. The Bernard Woolford Trophy for the best panel of prints on a theme went to Mike Hinchliffe for “Big Buddha is Watching”, and Arwel Williams and John Ranson also took honours as second and third.

Members gave an In-house evening on 7th December. Annie Davies and Jane Edgar both showed selections of their favourite images, after which Martin Davies explained a programme called ColorMunki which enables adjustment of the computer screen for the correct colours.

At the last session of 2010 on 14th December, members saw the annual selection of Print and Slide Portfolios selected and collated by the North Wales Photographic Association with added taped commentary, representing the work of clubs in the area.

Phil Durrell
17th December 2010

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RUTHIN CAMERA CLUB SEASON 2010/11 – PRESS RELEASE 1

Business as Usual

Ruthin Camera Club’s new season is now well under way, with something for everyone who is interested in photography. Anyone wishing to sample what the Club has to offer (with no obligation to join) is very welcome to come along to the Trem y Foel Community Centre in Ruthin on a Tuesday evening at 7.45. The Club’s website lists the programme.

The traditional Chairman’s Evening opened the season on 7th September, when John Ranson and others outlined the year’s programme. A quiz about famous photographers was won by Paul Parker, and members enjoyed a light buffet.

One week later a mini-competition judged by Club members was won by Paul Parker again (for Digital images) and by John Ranson (for Prints). Last year’s audio-visual winner Ray Davies showed his impressive “Panoramas of North Wales”.

The season’s first visiting speaker was Gareth Jenkins on 21st September, with a demonstration of Photomax HDR techniques and how to back up on Photoshop, a well-presented and simply explained talk.

Next, Barbara and Wilf Cope from Llandudno showed their audio-visual travelogue about a trip to the Yukon and Alaska, utilising many forms of transport and with scenes from the site of the Klondike gold rush a hundred years earlier.

Concerning the same continent, Club Programme Secretary Bill Evans took members to South America on 5th October, to French Guyana to be precise, for his intriguingly-titled “Into Space From Devil’s Island”. Bill had worked there in the early ‘70’s, and showed rockets being launched and the prison camp nearby made famous (or infamous) in the film “Papillon”. But Bill had revisited last year, and now tourists wander where convicts once laboured.

The season’s first major competition, an Open one, was judged by Margaret Salisbury – as ever interesting, informative and blunt! The winners proved to be: Colour Print 1st Paul Parker with “Master of the Skies”, 2nd Jane Edgar, 3rd Annie Davies; Monochrome Print 1st (with “The Bridge at the Lowry Centre”) and 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Ian Sims; Digitally Projected Images 1st Annie Davies with “Bluebell Wood”, 2nd Mike Williams, 3rd Mike Hinchliffe.

On 19th October members greatly enjoyed a presentation by Craig Colville, Senior Photographer of the Free Press, including Craig’s background and shots from his newspaper work, all digitally projected.

Phil Durrell
26th October 2010

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SUMMER NEWSLETTER, MAY 2010

At the AGM, John Ranson was elected Chairman, Marie McDonald (Vice chairman) Ray Davies (Secretary), Kay Culhane (Treasurer), Bill Evans (Programme Secretary) and Arwel Williams (Competition Secretary). Committee Members Les Starling, Martin Davies, Ian Sims, Paul Parker and Mike Williams.

Social Evening at John Ranson’s house.
Members and partners invited. If you are able to help with the catering, John would welcome hearing from you a week or so beforehand. This event is a useful boost to Club funds as a donation of £5 per person is requested.

Visit to Brynbella, Tremeirchion Tuesday 13th July, Kay Culhane to coordinate. Tel:01824 703098

Ruthin Show 14th August
We will have our usual exhibition of Prints at Ruthin Show. Prepare your mounted photos and Contact Les Starling (01824710248) or hand it in at Dukes Newsagents during the week beforehand for collection. Help from 9.30 am on the morning of 14th to set up the display would also be appreciated.

Visit to Salford Keys, Lowry Gallery, Imperial War Museum North, John Ranson to coordinate. (date to be announced)

Other Events on this summer that may be of interest to members - or you may wish to organise a group visit.

Penrhyn Castle Bangor 3Rd April – 23rd May British Wildlife Photography Awards.
RPS meeting Rikki O’Neill FRPS 22nd May 2.00pm Craig y Don Community Centre Llandudno.
Ruthin Scarecrow trail from 17th – 22nd May. Member’s photographs required a good local photo opportunity.
Cambrian Photography Show Day Wed 26 May 10am – 7pm.
Lowry Gallery Salford 12th June, Spencer Tunick’s nudes in Peel Park.
NWPA Opening of Exhibition Electric Mountain Lanberis 19th June (Note: Exhibition selection at above venue from 10.15a.m on 15th May.)
Medieval and Country show Ruthin 26th-27thJune details www.ruthinforward.co.uk
Ruthin Festival 28th June – 4th July various venues.
Ruthin Show Sat 14 August Farmers Auction.
DS5 – Digital Storytelling Festival 2010 16 June 2010 Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
Wrexham Science festival photography competition entries in by 3rd June (Prizes) http://www.wrexhamsf.com/en/Competition/

Nantclwyd y Dre exhibition – 20 photographs (digital copies) required of buildings in Ruthin selected images to be mounted on card. Digital images to be selected by a sub-committee prior to the exhibition.

Next winter’s programme:-

Our first meeting (Chairman’s Evening) will be on 7th September. The programme for next season will be available in August, and will be on our website.
The SET SUBJECTS for our Competitions are “Close up” and “Locks”.
Once again we will be running the 7x5 (inch) Folio.

Note: For next season competition entries will be limited to 6 in total with a maximum of 3 in any category. (No reserves)

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Club web site. The new season’s programme will be there in August, and we post news of other events as they arise.

Have a good summer! (When it arrives)
Ray Davies

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CLUB PRESS RELEASE 4 - 31 March 2010

Snowdonia and Hong Kong: insiders’ views

A highlight, for many the highlight, of the Club’s year took place on February 23rd when Pierino Algieri from the Conwy Valley showed some of his collection of medium format images of Snowdonia and the coast of North Wales. Pierino is both a patient and perfectionist photographer who really knows his “bro”, and it shows in his results.

On the following Tuesday Bob Morgan of the Mold Club judged in his usual good-humoured way the last major competition of this season, open as regards subject. Emerging as winners were: Colour Prints 1st Arwel Williams, 2nd Jane Edgar, 3rd Paul Parker; Monochrome Prints 1st John Faleur, 2nd Mel Williams, 3rd Mike Hinchliffe; Digital Images 1st Les Starling, 2nd Mel Williams, 3rd= Jane Edgar and Mel Williams.

Emyr Roberts from Bethesda provided on 9th March his own photographic journey in print form evolving from black and white in the ‘50’s to the scanners, digital equipment and Photoshop of today. During the course of it we saw characters and scenes from Dyffryn Ogwen and its quarries, then visited Sweden, India and Patagonia. Emyr’s approach is always thoughtful and often takes an unusual and candid view of its subject.

A week later members showed their individual efforts at producing audio-visual work. The trophy was won by Ray Davies for his excellently innovative “Panoramas of North Wales”.

On 23rd March the images of the year were judged by Frank Barber of Beaumaris, who awarded the best Print to Mel Williams, the best Digital Image to Jane Edgar and the best Slide to Kay Culhane.

In the North Wales Photographic Association’s annual battle at Craig y Don, two Ruthin members came out very well: Jane Edgar for Colour Print of the Year with “Dark Satanic Mill” and Mike Williams for his Airport Kaleidoscope digital image.

Brian Pearce of the Dwyfor Club presented “Street Photography in Hong Kong” on 30th March. Brian’s black and white images and commentary conveyed a wealth of detail concerning everyday life on the city’s streets, with the knowledge, insights and perception that comes with living and working there for 25 years. Often life in the raw, yet portrayed with a sense of humour and a fond eye.

On 6th April members will be at Ruthin Library for the opening of the Club’s exhibition of prints, which will run for one month.

Phil Durrell
31/3/10

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CLUB PRESS RELEASE 3 - 17th Feb 2010

On 1st December John Edwards from Rhyl judged two competitions bearing the names of former members, the Gordon Roberts Trophy (for monochrome prints) and the Bernard Woolford Trophy (for a panel of 3 to 6 prints on a theme). Arwel Williams had a very successful evening, winning both and also coming second in the Gordon Roberts Trophy. Others who did well were Madeline Hadley (3rd in the Gordon Roberts), with Ian Sims second and John Ranson third in the Bernard Woolford Trophy.

The following week saw this year’s North Wales Print Portfolio visiting the Club, then on 15th December John Faleur showed some of his photographs and Karen Jones her audio-visual of Iceland. Over 20 members enjoyed the Club’s Christmas Dinner at the Wynnstay on Friday 11th.

The post-New Year resumption was delayed by snow until 12th January, when Les Starling gave a comprehensive slideshow on the wildlife aspects of the trees and woodlands of north-east Wales. This talk was the fruit of an avid photographer spending many years out and about working for the Forestry Commission and supporting the North Wales Naturalists’ Trust.

Next came the North Wales Photographic Association’s Digital Portfolio, with commentary by Sigrun Tollerton from Wrexham, a good friend of this club.

On 26th January Andy Polakowski from the Mold Club judged the season’s third major competition. The theme was “Abstract”, which produced some imaginative results and the following winners: Colour Prints 1st and 2nd John Faleur, 3rd Bill Evans; Monochrome Prints 1st and 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Jane Edgar; Digital Images 1st Mel Williams, 2nd John Faleur, 3rd Ray Davies.

2nd February was a club night, when Kay Culhane provided a quiz using slides of North Wales. An overheating projector then forced some improvisation for the rest of the evening.

The Club’s annual exchange with Waikato Photographic Society in New Zealand was held on 9th February, whereby images with commentary are shared between the two clubs; a benefit of the digital age.

Kevin Hurst of the Mold Club, but now resident in Penmachno, shared with us “My Year In Photography” on 16th February. Kevin’s prints covered a range of subjects including his particular favourites of sports and action photography but what stood out the most were his explanations of painstaking work in the studio to get each image just as he envisaged it and furthermore his conviction that the photographer should ultimately aim to please himself/herself rather than be over-concerned about what judges might think. Good advice: the photographer lives with their work long after the judge has gone!

Phil Durrell
17th February 2010

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CLUB PRESS RELEASE 2 - December 2009

From local to international

On 20th October Chris Kay (Mold) took the club through his personal transition since the year 2000 from his earlier decades of work using film to his current digital interests, with a range of his cameras on display together with photographs demonstrating what they could do. Chris showed great awareness of how to move with the times and get the best out of the evolving context.

Several members entertained the club on 27th October by giving illustrated talks on a variety of topics, including Paul Parker on Theatr Twm o’r Nant (rehearsals and Rock Project), Martin Davies on High Dynamic Range software and David Rose showing fleets of buses in formation!

One week later Jill Bunting revisited the club to explain “More Creative Audio Visual Ideas” with examples of Jill’s own skilfully-produced AVs.

The season’s second major competition, this one on the theme of “Past It”, was held on 10th November, judged by Eifion Williams. The winners were: Colour Prints 1st Roger Bolton, 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Arwel Williams; Monochrome Prints 1st Paul Parker, 2nd Arwel Williams, 3rd Ian Sims; Digital Projected 1st Jane Edgar, 2nd Mel Williams, 3rd John Ranson.

Then Mike Blackburn from the Ordnance Survey spoke about “Thomas Telford’s A5 from Chirk to Holyhead”, illustrated by slides and aerial photos.

On 24th November a change was forced on to the programme when the advertised speaker had to pull out. Instead, the club was treated to an absolutely superb range of images on DVDs borrowed from the Royal Photographical Society and taken by leading photographers from around the world, including three who have visited our club in recent times. As members said afterwards, it was a question of whether the quality on display inspired one to go out and improve or - faced with such a high standard - simply give up! Whatever, well done to the committee for bringing these magnificent images to Ruthin.

Phil Durrell
01/12/2009

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CLUB PRESS RELEASE 1 – October 2009

On with the show

Regulars at Ruthin Camera club must have noticed one obvious change when their new season started on 8th September: Les Starling has stood down after four years as chairman, to be succeeded by John Ranson. John initiated proceedings by reminding members of the summer events, including photographic visits to Nant Clwyd House and, in contrast, motor racing at Oulton Park, a social and supper at John’s house and an exhibition of 72 prints at Ruthin Flower Show. John then went on to quiz members about photographic objects, some old and obscure, some modern and simple except that they had been pictured from odd angles: pretty tricky!

An In/Out mini competition was held the following week, with judging by members there and then. Jane Edgar triumphed with her slides and John Ranson with his prints.

22nd September was an interactive evening in which summer photos (not all chosen for their qualities) were displayed for critical comments.

Gordon Bartley then visited from Preston, with his collection of slides of steam trains and landscapes in Yorkshire and North Wales, many shot against the light - contre jour photography.

On 6th October a club workshop involved Les Starling ((restoring old photos), Bill Evans (resizing and contre jour), Mike Williams (the club’s website) and John Ranson (panoramas including stitching and merging).

The season’s first major competition took place on 13th October, with the following taking the honours. Colour Prints: 1st Ian Sims, 2nd John Ranson, 3rd John Faleur; Monochrome Prints: 1st Mike Hinchliffe, 2nd Mel Williams, 3rd Paul Parker; Digital Projected: 1st John Faleur, 2nd Brian Hadley, 3rd Jane Edgar.

The club continues to thrive, with a varied programme. Anyone who wishes to “give it a go” is very welcome to come along to a meeting or two, without obligation. When and where? 7.45 prompt on Tuesdays at the Trem y Foel Community Centre.

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PRESS RELEASE 5, March 2009

Competition Results

Ron Williams judged an open competition on 3rd March, selecting the following winners. Colour Prints: 1st Jane Edgar, 2nd John Ranson, 3rd = John Faleur and Paul Parker; Monochrome Prints: 1st Mike Hinchliffe, 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Mel Williams; Slides:1st, 2nd and 3rd Kay Culhane; Digital Projected: 1st John Ranson, 2nd John Faleur, 3rd= Brian Hadley and Arwel Williams.

The following week marked the return of Mike Williams, a professional portrait photographer from Flintshire who gave an excellent and entertaining talk on digital portraiture, with a few tricks of the trade.

On 17th March members showed their efforts at producing digital audio-visual presentations, as they had been challenged to do early in the Club’s season. From nine entries, Karen Jones was pronounced the winner.

As we begin to head towards the end of this season, the Image of the Year Competition was judged by Geraint Jones of the Marchwiel Camera Club, no easy task given the quantity and quality of entries. Bill Evans was 1st and 3rd in the Slides category, with Kay Culhane coming 2nd. A husband and wife took the honours in Prints and Digital Projected, with Mel Williams being first and Arwel Williams second in both categories. In third place were John Ranson (Prints) and Les Starling (Digital Projected).

Phil Durrell
26th March 2009

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PRESS RELEASE 4, Feb 2009

From Ruthin to New Zealand, Antarctica and India…

Continuing a season of record membership and good attendances, Ruthin Camera Club saw January out with a large entry for the competition on the theme of “Industry”. David Flitcroft judged the winners to be as follows. Colour Prints: 1st Mel Williams, 2nd and 3rd John Faleur. Monochrome Prints: 1st Arwel Williams, 2nd Madeline Hadley, 3rd Arwel Williams. Slides: 1st Kay Culhane, 2nd and 3rd Bill Evans. Digital Projected: 1st Mel Williams, 2nd Madeline Hadley, 3rd Brian Hadley. So, total domination for the residents of Caer Felin, Llanrhaeadr in colour prints and digital.

On 3rd February the second part of the North Wales Slide Portfolio was displayed, and a week later horizons were broadened with the International Exchange of digital images with the Waikato Photographic Society of New Zealand, forty images from both clubs.

Aneurin Phillips, formerly of Denbighshire County Council, was guest speaker on 17th February. Aneurin kept the club in the southern hemisphere with his recent shots of wildlife in the Falklands, South Georgia and the snowy wastes of Antarctica, surprising members with how close one can get to penguins and seals.

And the overseas theme continued the next week when John Darling from Gwynedd showed the results of a mountaineering expedition some thirty years ago to the Indian Himalayas, conquering the previously unclimbed (and wonderfully-named) Tiger Tooth Mountain. John’s overland return journey took in the Taj Mahal, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey.

Phil Durrell
25th February 2009

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PRESS RELEASE 3 – January 2009

Variety is the spice of life

On 18th November Ruthin Camera Club hosted a three-way Mix n’ Match Competition, judged by Bob Morgan who heckled his large audience in his inimitable jocular fashion. The visiting supporters from the Hawarden and Wrexham clubs perhaps enjoyed the half time refreshments more than the result, since their hosts secured a resounding victory.

A week later Tudur Owen from Gwynedd showed some of the eyecatching prints for which he is renowned on the North Wales photographic scene.

Two competitions, both named after former Club members, took place on 2nd December, judged by David Firth of Beddgelert. The Bernard Woolford Trophy (for a panel of prints on a theme) was won by John Faleur, with John Ranson second and Paul Parker third. Then the Gordon Roberts Trophy, for monochrome prints, was won by Arwel Williams, with John Ranson again in second place, and Madeline Hadley third.

An old friend of the club, Sigrun Tollerton, expertly but more important, patiently, explained some of the mysteries of layers in Photoshop Elements on 9th December. For those who wish to improve their processing skills, this was ideal; we moved forward, but not so quickly that members were left behind.

The next evening members and spouses relaxed over an excellent Christmas dinner at Fusions before the North Wales Print Portfolio (showing highlights from nearly 20 clubs) was shown with a good commentary by Tom Dodd on 16th December, bringing the Club’s activities in 2008 to a close.

Bitterly cold weather didn’t help the restart but around twenty brave souls turned up for the Fun Night on 6th January 2009, with quizzes by Kay Culhane and John Ranson, and entertained by a funniest photo session.

Plenty of people attended the following week to be guided by a longstanding member, John Faleur, on his and Nicole’s photographic journey in Chile from Santiago down to the tip of Patagonia. We experienced with John the majesty of the Andes and the colourful costumes, Chilean fire trees and painted wooden buildings.

Phil Durrell
14th January 2009

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PRESS RELEASE 6 – April 2008

Not Just The World But The Universe Too!

On 19th February the club entertained members of the Rhyl Camera Club for the annual inter-club Mix ‘n Match competition and supper. Norman Land of the Marchwiel Club did an excellent job of judging, not least because Ruthin won in style!

The 26th February saw a new topic: Astronomy. Peter Wise expertly explained the history of the telescope and then, outside on a starry night, demonstrated powerful modern lenses.

The final major competition took place a week later, judged by Chris Kay of Mold. The winners were as follows. Colour Prints: 1st Simon Butt, 2nd John Ranson, 3rd Brian Hadley. Monochrome Prints: 1st Simon Butt, 2nd Madeline Hadley, 3rd John Ranson. Slides: 1st David Rose, 2nd Mike Hinchliff, 3rd David Rose. Digital Projected: 1st Arwel Williams, 2nd Brian Hadley, 3rd John Ranson. In addition, Marie McDonald, Sue Jones, John Faleur, Les Starling, Bill Evans and Kay Culhane all received commendations.

Brian Pearce from Criccieth, formerly Hong Kong, took members “Around the World in 100 Colour Prints”, an enjoyable and interesting experience because our journey mostly comprised little-known countries, but even in much-visited locations Brian avoided cliché photographs

At the beginning of the season members had been encouraged to produce digital audio-visual pieces, a new venture for the Club. The results of their labours were shown on 18th March, with 6 members providing a variety of sequences, about 10 in total.

Kevin Hirst of Mold judged the entries for the Image of the Year on 25th March, and felt that the good standard merited announcing various commendations in addition to the winners, as follows. Prints: 1st John Ranson, 2nd Brian Hadley, 3rd John Ranson. Slides: 1st and 2nd David Rose, 3rd Bill Evans. Digitally Projected: 1st Brian Hadley, 2nd and 3rd Les Starling. Others gaining commendations were Mike Hinchliff, Simon Butt, John Faleur, John Jablonski, Paul Parker, Kay Culhane, Annie Davies, Sue Jones and Madeline Hadley.

On 1st April Sue and John Clark of Prestatyn told us about a trail first blazed 200 years ago from the Missouri River to America’s west coast by Clark and West which they had re-created recently with their friends, the Wests. This epic trip was illustrated by digitally projected images.

Phil Durrell
7th April 2008

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PRESS RELEASE 5, FEBRUARY Feb 2008

The New Year began with members improving their indoor photography techniques using studio lighting, when member June McHenry’s two daughters were the subjects of portrait photography.

On January 15th members viewed the annual print portfolio produced by, and circulated around, the North Wales Photographic Alliance clubs, and on 5th February they saw the equivalent show for slides, both with a taped commentary.

On 22nd January a very good turnout saw and heard Colin Ratcliffe’s slideshow and stories on “North Yorkshire - Moors, Railway and Coast”, visually a good combination of scenery and steam.

One week later Bob Morgan brought his usual good humour when judging the season’s third major competition, the subject being “The Road”. The winners were as follows. Colour Prints: 1st John Ranson, 2nd Brian Hadley, 3rd John Ranson; Monochrome Prints: 1st John Ranson, 2nd John Faleur, 3rd John Ranson; Slides: 1st Bill Evans, 2nd Les starling, 3rd Bill Evans; Digital Projected: 1st John Faleur, 2nd Brian Hadley, 3rd Madeline Hadley. Also featured amongst the judge’s commendations were John Jablonski, Mike Hinchliffe, Kay Culhane and Brian Hubble.

12th February was International Night, linked with New Zealand’s Waikato Camera Club. Digital images previously circulated over the internet between the clubs were judged at both ends, Margaret Salisbury from Prestatyn doing the honours here. The New Zealand judge picked an image by Ian Sims as being our best effort. Next year we hope to extend the international element to a club in Holland, through the auspices of a member’s son who lives over there.

Finally, an advance notice: the programmed talk by Ian Sims on 1st April will be replaced by a Mississippi Expedition. No, this is not an April Fool!

Phil Durrell
13/02/2008

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PRESS RELEASE 4, December 2007

December began with two competitions on one evening, both named after former members of the Club, and judged by Dai Price of Mynydd Isa aided by Andy Polakowski of Mold. The Bernard Woolford Trophy for the best panel of 3-6 prints on a theme was won by John Ranson, with Tudor Jones coming 2nd and John Ranson in 3rd place. The Gordon Roberts Trophy for the best monochrome print was also won by John Ranson, who came 2nd on an excellent night for him, with John Martindale in 3rd spot.

On 11th December Jill Bunting gave a technical visual explanation of her audio-visual photography, before showing some of her award-winning work imaginatively made around Llanefydd.

2007 drew to a close with the annual Fun Night on 18th December, involving quizzes complied by Kay Culhane and Tudor Jones, a selection of quirky photographs found and presented by John Ranson, and topped off with a buffet supper. The following evening about 30 members and partners enjoyed another fine Christmas spread at the Nant y Felin, Llanrhaeadr.

The Club’s season will recommence on 8th January 2008, 7.45pm at Trem y Foel, Ruthin. If you feel ready for a fresh start in the New Year, why not join us?

Phil Durrell
21/12/2007

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PRESS RELEASE 3, December 2007

November opened with a Digital Workshop when Bill Evans and John Faleur explained Elements and Photoshop. The session was highly interactive and over ran, good indicators of interest levels.

On 13th November the second major competition of the season, “Action!”, was judged by an ex-Ruthin man, John Edwards of Rhyl who came up with the following winners. Colour Prints:1. Brian Hadley, 2. Madeline Hadley, 3. John Faleur (the first time Brian has ever beaten his wife in our competitions); Monochrome Prints:1.Madeline Hadley, 2. Simon Butt, 3. Madeline Hadley; Digital Projected: 1.Les Starling, 2. Arwel Williams, 3.Bill Evans ( good to see Arwel back and on form after many years away from the Club); Slides:1. Bill Evans, 2. Kay Culhane, 3. Bill Evans.

A hands-on evening followed a week later, in which members were schooled in the art of mounting photographs. Much of the work done was in readiness for the Club’s biennial print exhibition at Ruthin Library, open to the public from 4th January to 1st February 2008.

Members were treated to “An Evening with John Roberts”, an old friend of the Club who has been producing superb images in the Caernarfon area for many years, and always with an imaginative eye for his subjects.

Phil Durrell
14th December 2007

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PRESS RELEASE 2, Novermber 2007

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

October demonstrated nicely the range of the Club’s programme. Firstly,
Mike Blackburn, who works for the Ordnance Survey, gave an informative and entertaining slide tour around the coast from the Dee to the Dovey estuaries on 2nd October. He explained how coastal communities lived and worked over the generations, and inevitably featured the topical issue of flooding arising from global warming.

The following week was aimed largely at beginners. Ian Sims covered the theory of cameras, lenses and shutters, John Ranson gave a potted history of cameras (with a few veteran exhibits to hand), and Bill Evans brought members up to the digital era. More recently, Chairman Les Starling held an evening at his home with four beginners, an informal questions and answers session.

The season’s first major competition took place on 16th October, judged by Graham Blackwell from Wrexham. Graham did well to get through a lot of entries on time, his winners being as follows. Slides: 1st Bill Evans, 2nd Les Starling, 3rd Kay Culhane; Monochrome Prints: 1st Marie McDonald, 2nd and 3rd John Ranson. Colour Prints: 1st and 2nd John Faleur, 3rd John Ranson. Digitally Projected: 1st and 2nd Bill Evans, 3rd Madeline Hadley.

A highlight of any season has to be a visit by Pierino Algieri, who has spent a lifetime capturing superb images of landscapes and nature in and around his home in the Conwy Valley, and this year proved to be no exception. However, it was different for on 23rd October we were treated to a series of audio-visual shows, rather than Pierino’s customary medium-format prints.

One week later members used their skills ands imaginations to create unusual images out of everyday materials, using the Club room as a studio. All who participated found this creativity fulfilling. We may see more of the results at the forthcoming annual “battles” with neighbouring clubs, for these are occasions when originality and novelty of approach are at a premium.

Much more can be seen about Ruthin Camera Club on its website, produced by Mike Williams, including examples of members’ work, the future programme and how to make contact with us.

Phil Durrell
03/11/07

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PRESS RELEASE 1, Sept 2007

     It will be difficult to improve on the successes of the previous season but Chairman Les Starling and the members of Ruthin Camera Club are hoping to do just that in 2007/08.
     During the summer members met for photography at Llangollen Steam Railway, on the Offa’s Dyke Path near Llandegla and at Pen y Ffrith Bird Park, and also simply for good food and company at John Ranson’s house. (Indoors as it turned out because the July monsoon season was then at its worst.)
     The Club’s programme for 2007/08 began on 11th September when new members in particular were welcomed and primed about the Club. A week later three “volunteer” members judged an in/out competition, none too seriously but a gentle starter for the more formal events ahead. On 24th September the annual programmed outdoor photography session was held around dusk at Denbigh Castle in cold but dry conditions.
     The Club will meet at 7.45 on Tuesdays at Trem y Foel, off Denbigh Road, Ruthin, until late April. Anyone interested in becoming a member is very welcome to sample a meeting or two without obligation. You may be stimulated by seeing and hearing about other people’s photographs, you may want to improve your own work, you may fancy competing against others, all in a friendly atmosphere. In addition to competitions, our programme includes expert visiting speakers on a variety of photographic topics, and in-house workshops and speakers. Most members now use digital cameras but film still has its devotees here. Please feel free to contact Les Starling (01824 710248) or Ian Sims, Secretary (01824 707729) if you would like to know more.

Phil Durrell
25/09/07
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PRESS RELEASE 7, May 2007

That Was a Very Good Year

Earlier in the season members had been shown Digital Audio-Visual Techniques by visiting experts, and challenged to try it for themselves. On 3rd April we saw the results of that challenge, with eight very different attempts at matching images to music, followed by a lively discussion.

A week later that seasoned traveler Sigrun Tollerton showed once again why she is such a popular speaker with “A Tale of Two Tropics”, outstanding nature photography based on the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

On 17th April members viewed a large selection of their own work on the 7”x5” format, presented anonymously and circulated throughout the year for members’ comments. After judging by all those present the winner was declared to be Ian Sims, followed by Marie Macdonald.

At the well-attended AGM on 24th April the winners for the major competitions during the season were announced. These were: Monochrome Prints 1st Madeline Hadley, 2nd John Faleur, 3rd Brian Hadley; Colour Prints Beginners 1st Madeline Hadley, 2nd Brian Hadley, 3rd Karen Jones; Colour Prints General 1st John Faleur, 2nd Marie Macdonald, 3rd Simon Butt; Slides 1st Bill Evans, 2nd Phil Durrell, 3rd Kay Culhane; and - for the first time - Digital Projected 1st Les Starling, 2nd John Faleur, 3rd Bill Evans. In addition to these winners, trophies were given also to the members who had won one-off competitions during the season, and these are all pictured. Summing up, Club Chairman Les Starling gave his opinion that 2006/07 had been one of the best seasons, if not the best season, ever in the Club’s history in terms of attendance levels, entry levels for competitions and overall quality of speakers.

Meetings will recommence on Tuesday 11th September at the Trem y Foel centre at 7.45pm, but there will be some social get-togethers during the summer months. Details of these, and other information, appear on the Club’s website or interested people can phone our Secretary Ian Sims on 01824 707729. Meanwhile members will get busy with their cameras - be they digital or film users - ready for the 2007/08 season.

Caption for Photograph:
Ruthin Camera club winners pictured at the club’s AGM. Top row, left to right: John Ranson, David Rose, John Faleur. Bottom row: Bill Evans, Madeline Hadley,Les Starling, Phil Durrell.

Phil Durrell
24/05/2007

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PRESS RELEASE 6, March 2007

Lifelong Learning for Photographers

On 27 th February Peter Rees visited Ruthin from Shrewsbury , to present excellently a selection of his top quality prints produced, including much exhibition material assembled over many years. Peter made the point that one never stops learning in photography, a message to satisfy those who seek continual improvement in their hobby.

The next week was the Club's final major competition of the season, on an open theme judged by Michael de Salis from the Rhyl Club. The best adjudged prints were by Simon Butt (1st), John Ranson (2 nd ) and Sue Jones (3 rd ) in the monochrome category, Madeline Hadley (1 st ), Karen Jones (2 nd ) and Brian Hadley (3 rd ) for colour beginners, and John Ranson (1 st ), Bill Evans (2 nd ) and Sue Jones (3 rd ) for colour in the general class. The slide winners were 1 st Bill Evans, 2 nd John Ranson and 3 rd Phil Durrell, whilst for projected digital work Les Starling (1 st and 3rd ) and Brian Hubble (2 nd ) took the honours.

Malcolm Kus, an old friend of the Club, came all the way from Staffordshire to provide a humorous and entertaining evening showing a variety of his quality prints, mostly on the themes of action or nature, before the break. Then we saw slide memories of Malcolm's trip to the Falklands , with many anecdotes - and a more serious side - afterwards.

He was followed on 20 th March by Patrick Faleur, a member of the Chester Camera Club and son of two of our members, speaking on what is obviously his speciality subject, “The Life and Times of Henri Cartier Bresson”, the much-travelled French photographer. This talk was copiously illustrated with Bresson's work and with Patrick's insights into the great man's career.

With the season's end approaching, it was time for the Images of the Year on 27 th March, judged by another old friend, Geoff Leah from Trefnant. For this competition there was only one category of prints, covering colour and monochrome, with not surprisingly a large field of competitors, and the winners were David Rose (1 st and 3 rd ) and Phil Durrell (2 nd ). The slide winners were Les Starling (1 st ) and Kay Culhane (2 nd and 3 rd ), and in the projected digital images Les Starling again came out on top, with Madeline Hadley 2 nd and 3 rd .

Phil Durrell

28/03/2007

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PRESS RELEASE 5, 2006/07

“How to be a Failure (Updated)” was the title of Andy Polakowski's quirky and idiosyncratic, yet entertaining, illustrated talk on 23 rd January. Andy's regular visits from Mold never fail to please, because he presents his skilful photographic style in a refreshingly different manner.

A week later, photographers and judge were presented with a challenge by the title of the Club's third major competition of the season: “Relationships”. It proved to be remarkable how many varying interpretations of that theme could be squeezed out by members. In Monochrome Prints, the winners were: 1 st Madeline Hadley, 2 nd Sue Jones, 3 rd David Rose. For Colour Prints, in the Beginners Category Madeline Hadley was again 1 st (and 2 nd ), with Brian Hadley 3 rd , whilst the General Category was won by John Faleur, 2 nd was David Rose, and 3 rd Peter Ellis. In Slides, Kay Culhane came 1 st , Bill Evans 2 nd and Les Starling 3 rd , and in Digitally Projected images, Les Starling was 1 st , with David Rose having a good night and taking both 2 nd and 3 rd places.

On 6 th February it was the turn of Ruthin to view the touring North Wales Photographic Association's Slide Portfolio, a traditional, annual event. In contrast, the following week saw a new venture, a link with a New Zealand Club arranged by our progressive Secretary, Ian Sims. Both clubs produced 40 digital images as a folio, exchanged them via internet, and recorded the opinions of a local judge on the other club's work, then viewed all 80 images and the comments. Previously our opposition has been no farther away than Wrexham, Conwy, Rhyl or Llanrwst! After a successful evening, members hope that we can go down under again next year.

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Press release 2, October 2006

Ruthin Camera Club's new season continues to gather pace, with a number of new faces swelling the ranks. On 19 th September Marion Wain and John Rowell from Wirral expertly introduced members to the techniques of audio-visual compilations using digital technology, aided by several of their own superb productions. One week later the tripods and flash techniques were in evidence when a good turnout of members practiced dusk photography outside and inside St Peter's Church, Ruthin, courtesy of the Rev. Dr. Bailey. The 3 rd October saw a none-too-serious competition when a panel of three members judged the images on an in-or-out basis, round by round, until only the winners were left. These were Marie McDonald (prints), Mike Hinchliffe (slides) and Bill Evans (digitally projected).
Next came a workshop evening, with questions ranging from basic beginners' concerns to more advanced queries on image adjustments and printing, with particular advice on prints, slide mounting and digital projection. The Club's first major competition of the season took place on 17 th October, the subject being “Water” judged by Norman Land from the Marchwiel Club. For colour prints (beginners) the placings were: 1 st Madeleine Hadley, 2 nd Karen Jones (nice to see new members getting involved so successfully), and for colour prints (general) 1 st Marie McDonald, 2 nd John Faleur, 3 rd David Rose. In monochrome prints, 1 st was John Ranson, whilst 2 prints tied for second place, both by John Faleur. The winning slide workers were Phil Durrell (1 st ), Mike Hinchliffe (2 nd ) and Kay Culhane (3 rd ).

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Press release 1, 2006

PHOTOGRAPHERS PLEASE NOTE

Whether you are an absolute beginner or a longstanding photographer, a film enthusiast or a digital fan, a warm welcome awaits you at Ruthin Camera Club . In recent years our membership has grown substantially, but we are always happy to see prospective new members. We strive to help members improve their photography, but we aim to do it in a very sociable atmosphere.

During the summer break members enjoyed a photographic visit to the water and woodland of Bod Petrual, and a barbecue and social evening in Graigfechan, and once again the Club put on a print exhibition at the Ruthin Flower Show in mid August. But our 2006/07 season began in earnest on 12 th September, when Chairman Les Starling outlined the programme for the year - a mixture of visiting speakers, practical workshops and photographic competitions to cater for all photographic tastes. This year, for the first time, and as a consequence of our successful acquisition of high-quality equipment, our competitions will allow for digitally-projected work as well as the traditional print and slide categories. The Club will continue to meet every Tuesday, normally starting at 7.45pm at Trem y Foel Community Centre, Ruthin, until the end of April, except for 26 th September when St Peter's Church will be the venue for a spot of evening light photography.

If you want to know more, please telephone Les Starling on 01824 710248 or Club Secretary Ian Sims on 01824 707729. Better still, just come along on Tuesday evening.