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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and Mike Maloney, Bill Bunting,
Kevin Cullimore, Linda Pitkin and others too numerous to
mention.
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 and
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 |
|
|