To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose...

Quote of the month: "We were doing OK until Tony came in to help!!"

I guess TP's adding up wasn't as slick as it might have been and the quote was said very jovially during the discussion/ post mortem of last weeks Cumbrian judging of the GBSPC. In actual fact, the 2 days judging and recording ran very smoothly, mainly due I think, to the organizational skills of those involved in the preparation. The venue was great, and thanks to Steve for for arranging it. Spirits were high, everyone had a role, and I think everyone enjoyed being involved. Special thanks to Richard Spiers, Jack Bamford, Pax Garabedian, John Williams, Les Ayres, David Stephenson and Leo Palmer for their judgements, and to Mike and Fred for keeping us well fed and watered. Volunteers have continued to offer support over the next few weeks as the remaining circuit judgings take place, that they may help with the picture sorting at Camerton. Great team work and well done WCPG.

A sense of stillness following the snow, with some beautiful reflections coming from Bassenthwaite Lake and open views of Thirlmere, left quite an impression when travelling through the Lake District last week. This beautiful scenery on our doorstep never fails to leave me feeling very fortunate in spite of being unable to snap it all up at the moment because of mobility difficulties. I bet nothing has stopped David and the others getting out there and grabbing some good pic's though! Look forward to seeing them.

WCPG are lying 3^rd overall since the January EID competition. Bill continues to lead on this and sends out an appeal for some more pictures.

Bas Montgomery reports we are currently lying 3^rd in group A after the first round in the Interclub Creative Image Competition. Congratulations to Bill Herbert and Bob Hodgson for their Honorable Mentions. Bas is also requesting some more images for the next round.

Kate Willmer has emailled images for voting for the next stage of the Photo Journalism competition, and she thanks those who supplied pictures.

We send our best wishes to those who have not been able to join us recently for whatever reason. It'll be good to see you all again and back with us in the group.

ENTRIES FLOOD IN.

There has been a fantastic response to the very first Great British Small Print Circuit with entry numbers far exceeding expectations (over 5.500 prints). The closing date now passed, and the first of the four circuit judging days is to be held here in West Cumbria, on February 7^th and 8^th. Because of the vast number of prints, the judging has had to be extended to last the whole weekend. Volunteers and judges have responded well to Tony's appeals for help and some stalwarts have already spent many hours sorting and logging the entries. Because of the preparation put in, it should ball run very smoothly, with refreshments and the promise of a fish and chip lunch something to hang on to! This event is a first for the group and will be quite an achievement for all concerned.

Congratulations to the following for their recent photographic successes:

Jan Dockwray and Brian McCombe were both chosen as 'judges choices' for their entries into the Great British Cup. The club ended in 9^th place.

Bas Montgomery received a highly commended for his entry into the German nature circuit.

Tony Potter got an Image San Frontier medal, and Pax Garabedian a FIAP ribbon for their contributions to the contest "For Love To Women". Both offering assurances that all subjects in their pic's were fully clothed! Tony also received a second medal in the 3^rd International salon of art photography, apparently entitling him to hold his own exhibition in the Ukraine. Mmm...not sure why, you'll need to ask him!

Wilmington results: Well done Fred for getting a PSA Gold medal, and Les a Silver in creative. Margaret Dixon and Graeme had success, each getting a DPS Bronze medal.

New member Tom Chatterly has joined us recently, great to see you, and we hope you enjoy being part of this experience! Hitting those Cumbrian hills should prove a useful antidote! Also welcome to Ted Armstrong who has come along to the group to test the waters so to speak.

Can we oblige?

We have been asked by our local Hospice at Home organization for West Cumbrian scenes to front the charities christmas cards this year. Perhaps the predicted snowfall this coming week may prove inspirational, and also a chance for those who want, to conquer the blue/tainted snow syndrome some of us occasionaly struggle with.

Here's to next weekend everybody, break a leg as they say!