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BSoUP's Splash-in Competition 1987

by Brian Pitkin

Reproduced from in focus 22 (June 1987)

Some of the participants in the BSoUP Splash-in 1987 at Fort Bovisand, Plymouth, Devon. [Photo: Paul Langley]

Warren Williams (centre) being congratulated by Brian Pitkin (left) and Brian Greaves, AGFA/Gevaert (UK) on winning the 'On the Day' category. [Photo Peter Rowlands]

The competition comprises three classes Black & WhIie Prints and Colour Prints taken anywhere in the world and a unique 'On the Day' clear. where competitors were Issued with a roll of film in the morning and had until 4.30 p.a. to expose it in Plymouth waters before returning it for processing and subsequent projection and judging.

A black & white print of Warren Williams'' winning colour slide 'On the Day' of weed in a rock pool.

A black & white print of Ron Williamson's colour slide of a plumose anemone which came third on the day.

This year the number of prints entered was down on last year's entry with only 19 black & white and 46 colour, compared to 16 and 78 respectively in 1986

Nevertheless the standard was as high if not higher than last year with some excellent entries. Perhaps those who did not enter are saving themselves for Brighton '87?

All of the prints were put on display throughout the day In the room adjacent to Reception. Volunteers manned the display and encouraged all visitors to the exhibition to vote for their favourite three black white and colour prints In order of preference.

Peter Rowlands receives his silver medal from Brian Greaves, AGFA/Gevaert (UK).

A black & white print of Peter Rowlands' colour slide of a diver watching a starfish spawn which came second 'On the Day'

A total of 48 competitors each collected a roll of AGFA film at the start of the day to participate in the 'On the Day' class. Again the number of entries was down on last year when a record 77 took part. The poor weather conditions prevailing my have contributed to this but a number of hardy regulars failed to appear. Each of those competing had a choice of straight underwater photographs and/or contrived shots. The majority opted to expend their efforts on Plymouth's abundant marine life, although a few took props along to contrive a novelty or humorous shot. The underwater visibility was generally poor everywhere and the competitors had a very difficult task to take anything other than macro and close-up shots, although some evidently did find slightly better conditions and made the most of them to take diver shots and scenery.

By 4.30 p.m. all but a few of the exposed rolls had been returned for processing and. whilst everybody_else relaxed, the dark room team went into action. This year they had the capability to process up to 124 rolls in four processes using stainless steel spirals and dip tanks. The most difficult task was to load the spirals in darkness and get then into the tanks. The operation ran very smoothly and within three hours all of the films were processed. dried and ready to be returned to their respective owners. At Just after 8.00 p.m. the films were handed back to those who bad returned from dinner. A few late arrivals meant that projection of the best two from each photographer had to be delayed until 9.30 p.m.

The audience waited patiently until projection began. Each slide was projected twice and the audience invited to vote for their favourite three slides in order of preference and for the best contrived shot. Following this everybody_retired to the bar to await the results and presentation of trophies and prizes.

Martin Edge receiving the Ocean Optics Trophy from Brian Greaves, AGFA (UK). [Photo Peter Rowlands]

Martin Edge's Jellyfish which won second place in the Black & White prints category

Mr Brian Greaves, Sales Manager of AGFA/Gevaert kindly made presentations to the winners. Results were announced in reverse order starting with Black & White Prints, Colour Prints and the 'On the Day' class.

Third place for a Bronze Medal in the Black & White Print class was MARK WEBSTER for his photograph of a turtle. Second and winner of a Silver Medal was PETER ROWLANDS for a shot of a wreck.

The winner of the Ocean Optics Trophy and a Gold Medal was MARTIN EDGE (centre left page 10) for a photograph of a Jellyfish.

Peter Rowlands wreck shot which won second place in the Black & White Prints category

Mark Webster's turtle which won third place in the Black & White Prints category.

Third place and a Bronze Medal in the Colour Print class went to MIKE WONG for his study of a shoal of butterfly angels. Second place and a silver medal went to PETER HEWITT for his shot of shrimps.

The winner of the Greenaway Marine Trophy and a Gold Medal for his print of a fish and diver in a cave entrance was KEVIN CULLIMORE.

The Best Contrived shot 'On the Day' was a silhouette of an airship by TONY ROOD, which won him the Aquamatic Trophy and a Gold Medal.

Kevin Cullimore receives the Greenaway Marine Trophy for the Best Colour Print from Brian Greaves, AGFA/Gevaert (UK). [Photo Peter Rowlands]

Kevin Cullimore's winning shot of a grouper with diver in cave in the Colour Prints category

Third place 'On the Day' and a Bronze Medal went to RON WILLIAMSON for a close-up of a plumose anemone.

Second place and a Silver Medal went to PETER ROWLANDS for his study of a diver watching a spawning starfish.

The winner of the BSoUP Trophy and a Gold Medal was WARREN WILLIAMS for his photograph of rock pool weeds.

Peter Hewitt's shrimp which came second in the Colour Prints category.

Mike Wong's butterfly fish which cam third in the Colour Prints category.

Following the presentation of awards BRIAN PITKIN, the Chairman and organiser of the event. thanked BRIAN GREAVES and all those who had helped out on the day, particularly the dark room team comprising PETER ROWLANDS, MIKE MALONEY, PAUL LANGLEY, VIV PEARSON & GEORGE RISTICH, those who manned the stand - MIKE & JAN MALONEY. MARTIN & SYLVIE EDGE, BRIAN HUMPHRIES, MIKE WONG. BRYAN STARK, those who counted votes - JAN MALONEY, VIV PEARSON and BRYAN STARK, and MIKE WONG for transport. The Society is extremely grateful to AGFA/Gevaert for so generously sponsoring the event and to JIM GILL and ALAN BAX and all the staff at Fort Bovisand for making us so welcome and ensuring our visit was so enjoyable.

BSoUP SPLASH-IN WINNERS