The end of the year is typically a time for reflection, to look back on past achievements and to look forward to future plans.
Reflecting on 2022 the quote from Kipling’s poem springs to mind
“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs….”
This would certainly apply to the committee who have delivered the programme in the face of a chaotic year from the centre.
Despite all that has gone on we have managed to deliver a programme of workshops and evening talks, maintained the website and kept it up to date, published the magazines and newsletters and kept our finances on track. Additionally we have delivered the first outdoor exhibition for the group and set up a bursary for young photographers to gain financial assistance whilst doing photography as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. Our Facebook and Instagram pages continue to attract lots of traffic and the Circles programme continues to provide a valuable forum for critique and learning.
The programme for 2023 is really taking shape. In January we will bring the photo - exhibition to London at Southwark Cathedral. In March it is our AGM and conference in Harrogate. There are still a few non-resident places left so please book now, if you want to go. The programme for the conference is really excellent and it is a great opportunity to explore a beautiful area of the country. We will continue with the programme of workshops and talks and I am looking forward to taking a group on a hybrid workshop to Cornwall.
2023 will also bring about major change to the committee - I will be stepping down as Chair at the AGM and I am delighted that Colin Balfour has agreed to stand for the role. We will also be saying goodbye to Dave Glenn who has done a sterling job organising the conference and running our member-led events programme. Howard Klein is standing to take over this role in a modified form.
I am delighted to announce that Ellie Lilly will join the committee in the role of magazine editor and I am sure you will all join with me in welcoming her to the group. As previously advised Chris McIntosh has taken over from Mark Reeves as the manager of professionally led events.
Fiona McCowan has run our circles and social media programme to great effect as member without portfolio will also be stepping down at the AGM. There is a vacancy here so if you feel you would like to join the committee this is a great way into the team. Andy McLaughlin will also leave the secretary role to focus on a new local photographic society. Andy has done a great job of ensuring our meetings and documentation run really well and so if you have the skills for this role please get in touch.
There are vacancies for both these roles and these are a great way of getting onto the committee. If you feel you would like to take on either of these roles please get in touch landscape@rps.org and I will be happy to discuss them with you. There is a role description further on in the newsletter.
On a personal note I have been out making images in my local woodlands and really enjoyed the variety of weather conditions. I have attached photograph of a novel use for a tripod that my friend Gordon dreamt up on a cold day in Glen Cannich.
It just remains for me to wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous 2023. I am looking forward to seeing you at the conference or out in the landscape.
Best wishes
Richard
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