We are enjoying the Heatwave as I write this President’s Piece, even too hot to take pictures do I hear. “It will melt my card.......dissolve my film......never mind I have some stunning images for next seasons battles already taken and printed up....” a likely story in reality!!!! BUT the Southern Federation has had some excellent results during the summer recess.

We came 2nd in the PAGB print competition colour section, 10th in the monochrome. At Warwick University, our entry from Spectrum won the plate competition. For those of you who don’t know the importance of that, it is the best of the 23 remaining clubs after the first 10 were chosen to compete for the trophy. So may I offer my congratulations to those clubs who submitted and were chosen to represent the Southern Federation.

My congratulations also go to 2 members of the Federation for achieving a credit and a distinction with the PAGB awards. Messrs, Glen Irving and Tim Withall, also to Chris Wainwright FRPS, for having his print selected for the 28th bi-annual EFIAP print competition being held in China. And last but not least, well done to Ian Platt for achieving the EFIAP Gold award this year. I know many others have received awards in various competitions and exhibitions and I am justly proud as President, that our Federation has achieved these awards..... however do not rest upon your laurels, next year we can do even better I know...... which brings me onto the subject of a new Federation Rep for the PAGB competitions.

Our own Anne Mahany LRPS is giving up her post very soon and after many years of badgering and persuading club members to part with their prints and slides, burning the midnight candles to meet the deadlines, she feels rightly so, that there is a new face to take this very rewarding post on. Please don’t just read and think oh yes! Pick up the phone or e-mail our secretary offering your services.

One last plea from the presidential palace - the new treasurer seems to be still missing??? It isn’t an onerous task - ‘so im told’. If you have any skills in looking after money and small accounts then you are most welcome to join us, your Federation NEEDS you.

Ian Bigg LRPS CPAGB
President, Southern Photographic Federation