An Unusual Year
As we come to the end of the 2020-21 season it's time to look back at a very different BPS year.
When we started with our first ever Zoom meeting we had no idea whether it would be a successful season or how long the Covid-19 restrictions would last. Due to a massive amount of work by our president, Ben Freeman, who put together a wide range of fascinating speakers, there was something for everyone to enjoy and learn. All the usual club competitions also continued using digital images only, no prints, with judges giving their feedback online. Zoom took a bit of getting used to but has ended up being a great success as we are all becoming more comfortable with it.
A Black Darter dragonfly, minutes old - well it's been underwater for a year eating midge larvae by the thousand, but imago life is just beginning. Still clinging to the exuvia from which it emerged, and will take an hour or two to dry out and be able to fly.
The Facebook challenges have now been going on for more than a year, weekly at first, now fortnightly, so that members are presently contributing to the 42nd theme, this time it's "Out and About" to celebrate an easing of the latest lockdown. The image above was Ben's winning entry to the 40th challenge. Throughout this and previous lockdowns and restrictions the joy of photography and, for some members the Facebook challenges, have kept us going. The weekly club meetings via Zoom have been a tremendous success and our heart-felt thanks go to Ben for keeping us all together and focused through a difficult time.
Sadly Ben (President and Competition Secretary) and Hayley (Secretary and Magazine and Web Creator and Editor) are having to move from the area but are leaving a happy, healthy society which has benefitted hugely from the years of energy and enthusiasm they've contributed to improving the photographic experience for all BPS members. They'll be missed but we wish them all the very best for whatever lies ahead.
The AGM took place in March, earlier than usual, and the new committee can be seen on the Committee page. They have managed to provide a fitting final few weeks of the 2020-21 season and are looking forward to 2021-22.
Comments