It was all change at the top following the final round on 19 May of this season’s digital projected image competition, when the judge was Gerald Kitiyakara, LRPS. In the Standard Class, as expected long time leader Grace Kwong was finally overhauled by Martin Shorey, who had the disadvantage of not being a member when the first round was held. In the event, he was a clear winner with 110 points, with Grace second on 102 points just ahead of Ray Roberts who had been scoring steadily throughout the competition. An interesting statistic is that Martin scored 22 points out of a maximum 24 in each of the five rounds he competed in. An impressive feat of consistency.
In the Advanced Class, Rose Atkinson had been the clear leader since a near maximum score in the second round, only to be pipped at the post in the final furlong by a fast finishing Nina Ludwig. Nina had not scored well in the first round, but had otherwise been achieving some excellent results in the remainder of the competition, including the final contest. Nina ended up with 110.5 points to Rose’s 108.5 and Bill Yates was third with 101.
(For those not familiar with the club's scoring system, in each round the two highest marks from three images are used to give the round total. When all the rounds are tallied, the lowest scoring round is excluded, hence the change in fortunes that occurred in both contests.)
In the Standard Class, pictures of the evening came from Mike Day, with "Night Clubbing", Adam Lesniewski and "Close Encounter", and Martin Shorey who submitted "Slamdunk". In the Advanced Class, Nina Ludwig with "The Chase" and Michael Hope with an untitled image both achieved top scores.
It is pleasing to note the new faces at the top of the Standard Class, which is encouraging for the future, as well as Rose’s success in the Advanced Class. Well done to everyone who finished in the top positions in both sections.
Attention now turns to the new Digital Projected Image of the Year competition, for which the "Mees Trophy" will be presented for the first time. The winners of each class will be going head to head, but with the top image on the night taking the prize, will the other members of the club have a say in the outcome?
Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the day is just how many people take advantage of such occasions to dress up and recreate scenes from so long ago. It was obvious that there had been great care to ensure that costumes were as authentic as possible, with vehicles and other equipment restored to former condition. Fortunately, this was as realistic as it got, although there were a number of demonstrations throughout the day to enhance the experience and give a feel for the challenges faced by those who lived through the period.
For us photographers, the occasion added to the usual attractions of the railway and provided many opportunities to take shots that would not be possible at other times. Perhaps the only downside to the day was the chill wind that kept temperatures unseasonably low, which must have been uncomfortable for many of the participants as their 1940s attire was not really designed for the wintry weather.
After an enjoyable day’s shooting, Croydon’s members retired cold, but refreshed by the outing and the company of their colleagues.
The Home Guard protecting Horsted Keynes station.
Mike Day waits his turn while Ron takes a shot and Adam talks to a participant.
