Photo Competition 2020

The annual  Rotary Club of South Queensferry Photographic Competition took place on Thursday 23rd April. Through the medium of Zoom, twenty-six members and three guests saw an impressive range of entries from Rotarians and family members. The competition, which has run for over ten years, was judged for the sixth time by Alistair Pryde of Words and Pictures in Queensferry (48 High Street, South Queensferry, EH30 9HN, www.wordsandpicturesuk.com). From over 120 entries, Alistair picked a short list of thirteen which will appear in next year's Rotary Club Calendar, also produced by Words and Pictures. Entrants were asked to submit original and creative interpretations of the theme 'place'. In his online comments, Alistair said that the large number of entries this year made his task all the more difficult. He based his judgement on the quality of artistry and composition, technical execution and response to subject matter.

This year's winner, 'Gateway to Vatersay Beach' by Grainger Falconer, was obvious from the very first moment. In addition to fulfilling the criteria in every way, it had that additional 'X-factor'. It was cheerful and unassuming, but would not be out of place in a tourist brochure. In addition to the Bob Cleland Trophy, Grainger will  receive a framed enlargement of his winning entry. Second place went to  Adam Dzierzek for 'Another World' - a study of columns in a reservoir, making impressive use of perspective. Iain Fairbairn came third with an extremely simple but subtle picture titled 'Breakfast Table'. Adam and Iain received trophies donated by Gerald Smith.

There followed an online raffle which, combined with entry fees for the competition, raised approximately £380 for Freedom From Fistula. This figure will be doubled by match funding from a Rotary Global Grant. Sue Hope, from the charity which treats and supports women with childbirth injuries in Africa, joined the members on Zoom. She thanked the club for its unfailing generosity. Before drawing the session to a close, President Jim McCulloch thanked Grainger Falconer for organising the competition, Alistair Pryde for judging the entries and Graham Leith for arranging the online raffle.