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This
year's Splash-in took place on Saturday, 2 June and despite
the poor weather conditions (once again) a total of 49 eager
photographers filled the reception area at Fort Bovisand first
thing in the morning to sign up for the "On the Day ".
Numbers were down on the last two years, some notable absentees
being Peter Scoones, filming in the Bahamas and Galapagos,
Peter Rowlands, preparing for a Greenpeace assignment in the
Atlantic, and last year's winner Paul Clark, rewiring his
house in Beckenham.
By
10.00 a.m. the photographers had dispersed to a selection
of the many and varied dive sites in the area. A strong westerly
wind prevented most from venturing far from the Fort. Many
dived from the shore either north or south of the harbour,
whilst a few of those with boats sought shelter in the lee
of the Mewstone or Breakwater. Around the Fort visibility
was poor, limiting the choice of photography to close-up and
macro. Further off-shore the plankton bloom had all but disappeared
and visibility was up to 5 or 6m, although numbers of Basking
Sharks and large Rhizostoma jellyfish were sighted suggesting
that there was still sufficient plankton in the water to make
life difficult for wide-angle photography.
At
tea-time the prints entered prior to the day were put on display
and all Visitors to the Fort encouraged to vote for their
favourite three in order of preference. Simultaneously the
onerous task of processing the returned films began. The AGFA
chemicals had been mixed the night before and left to warm-up
during the day. Unfortunately as it turned out they were too
warm and had to be cooled before use.
A
team of volunteers under David Nardini's guidance loaded the
processing spirals and placed them in light-tight deep tanks
in preparation. Within two and hours all films had been processed
and were hung up to dry prior to sleeving and return to the
individual photographers.
Each
competitor was given slide mounts - two for straight shots
and one for humorous shots - in which to present his favourite
slides for projection. The audience crammed into the projection
room were invited to vote for their favourite three slides
in order of preference and their favourite humorous slide.
All
slides were projected twice and once the voting was complete
the audience were entertained by a series of candid shots
taken by SYLVIE EDGE during the course of the day of some
of those taking part in the event.
Mr
BRIAN GREAVES of AGFA (UK) Ltd kindly presented the trophies,
medals -and prizes to the deserving winners. This year Sea
& Sea Ltd generously donated four watches worth £55
each to the winners in each category.
MARTIN
EDGE's portrait of a Tom-Pot Blenny took first place in the
British Prints and Open Prints categories winning him the
Ocean Optics Trophy and the new Greenaway Marine Trophy, two
gold medals and two Sea & Sea watches. Second place and
a Silver Medal in the British Prints category was LEN DEELEY
with his shot of Plumose Anemones. Third place and a Bronze
Medal went to KEVIN CULLIMORE for his study of a Pike taken
in Gildenburgh Pit.
Second
place and a Silver Medal in the Open Prints category was LINDA
PITKIN for her shot of the wreck of the Giannis D in the Gulf
of Suez. Third place and a Bronze Medal went to John Langford
for his Black & White Print of a Clown Fish and its reflection
in a mask, also taken in the Red Sea.
The
Best Humorous shot "On the Day", showing a diver
examining an open roll of AGFA film underwater, was taken
by ANDY AUSTIN. Andy was presented with the Aquarnatic Trophy,
a Gold Medal and a Sea & Sea watch.
The
winner "On the Day" was KEVIN CULLIMORE for a stunning
slide of a Tom-Pot Blenny. Kevin was presented with the BSoUP
Trophy, a Gold Medal and a Sea & Sea Watch. Second place
and a Silver Medal went to LINDA PITKIN for a macro portrait
of a male Corkwilng Wrasse in breeding plumage. DAN BURTON
took third place with his inquisitive Cuttlefish.
Once
again this unique event demonstrated that whatever the conditions
Britain's underwater photographers still take first class
photographs. But let's hope that the weather is kinder next
year.
The
Society is very grateful for the continued sponsorship of
AGFA (UK) Ltd and too Sea & Sea (UK) Ltd for donating
prizes. Thanks are also due to all the staff at Fort Bovisand
for making us all welcome and to the many BSoUP members who
assisted during the day - David and Pip Nardini, Mark Webster,
Stephen Brooks, VIv Pearson and Martin Edge for processing,
Sylvia Edge for land photography, Les Kemp for projection,
Ray Breach for medal design and production, Jan & Mike
Maloney, Bill Bunting, Kevin Cullimore, Linda Pitkin and others
too numerous to mention.
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RESULTS |
|
Position
|
Points
|
Photographer
|
Subject
|
| ON
THE DAY SLIDES |
|
1
|
|
Kevin
Cullimore |
Tompot
blenny |
|
2
|
|
Linda
Pitkin |
Male
Corkwing wrasse |
|
3
|
|
Dan
Burton |
Cuttlefish |
| HUMOROUS
SLIDES |
|
1 |
|
Andy
Austin |
Diver
& film |
| OVERSEAS
PRINTS |
|
1 |
|
Martin
Edge |
Tompot
blenny |
|
2 |
|
Linda
Pitkin |
Giannis
D |
|
3 |
|
John
Langford |
Clownfish |
| BRITISH
PRINTS |
|
1 |
|
Martin
Edge |
Tompot
blenny |
|
2 |
|
Len
Deeley |
Plumose
anemones |
| 3 |
|
Kevin
Cullimore |
Pike |
|
BSoUP
SPLASH-IN WINNERS |
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