Chernobyl by David J. Bray

On Wednesday 12 February 2020, our Society Chairman, David Bray, gave a presentation on his visit last year to the deserted city Pripyat in Ukraine and to the nearby Chernobyl nuclear power plant that was the site of possibly the worst nuclear power disaster in history.

Problems at the power plant began on Saturday 26 April 1986 when No.4 reactor caught fire eventually spreading radioactive fallout across Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and much of Europe. The city of Pripyat had to be completely evacuated along with all inhabitants within an eventual exclusion zone extending to a radius of 30km.

David gave us a fascinating account of the circumstances leading to the accident and details of its aftermath. He also recounted his own visit to the area with amazing photographs of the abandoned city showing how it is gradually being reclaimed by nature. His photographs included the iconic Ferris Wheel, poignant images of children’s toys and clothing in an abandoned nursery and a telling image of gas masks presumably left behind by the so-called Liquidators who risked all, and in many cases gave their lives, to clean up the area.

Chernobyl Gas Masks by David J. Bray

We all enjoyed a superb presentation by David who even ate lunch in the canteen of the stricken power plant; we hope with no lasting ill effects! On this score David assured us that the visit resulted in a very small radiation dose. However, I note that it didn’t stop him throwing away a new pair of boots immediately after his visit!

Eric Tatham (Committee Member)

Results of Merit 3 Competition

Here are the results of the Merit 3 Competition held on 19th February 2020 and judged by Brian Pere. The theme this year was ‘Wood’.


Print Competition – Advanced Category

First place

Table Under the Trees by Terry Mann

Second place

Bottomless by Rosemary Gibbs

Third place

The Old Dunny by Ken Monk

Highly Commended

Chainsaw Ash Vision by Rosemary Gibbs

Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Ent by Eric Tatham

Jetty or Bird Perch by Jean Sutton


Print Competition – Novice Category

First place

Rock-a-Bye Baby by Steven Farmer

Second place

Wood You Lend a Hand by Steven Farmer

Third place

Tools for Wood by Patrick Joyce

Highly commended

Living in a Wood by David Cunnane

Commended

That’s How It’s Done by David Inman


Projected Image Competition – Advanced Category

First place

McAllister’s Apples by Rosemary Gibbs

Second place

Norwegian Wood by David Bray

Third place

Stumps by Terry Mann

Highly Commended

Exposed Hut at Ramberg by David Bray

Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Coloured Pencils by Ken Monk

Wood Leaf Ball by Ken Garside


Projected Image Competition – Novice Category

First place

Wood in a Wood by David Cunnane

Second place

If You Come Down to the Woods Today by Michael Bryan

Third place

Consumed by the Inferno by David Ralph

Highly Commended

Pegasus and Friends by David Inman

Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Caber Tosser by Patrick Joyce

Speeding through the Trees by Steven Farmer


Results of Merit 2 Competition

Here are the results of the Merit 1 Competition held on 5th February 2020 and judged by Ian Bailey. The theme this year was ‘Fragile’.


Print Competition – Advanced Category

First place

Spiders’ Webs by Ken Monk

Second place

Completing Metamorphosis by Rosemary Gibbs

Third place

Crack Open a Bottle by Eric Tatham

Highly Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Flight Suspended by Terry Mann

Pressed Momento by Rosemary Gibbs

Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Egg Shell by Jean Sutton

Roof Just Surviving by Ken Monk


Print Competition – Novice Category

First place

Fragile Environment by David Cunnane

Second place

White Lily by David Inman

Third place

Fragile Existence by David Cunnane

Highly commended

Morning after the Night before by Michael Bryan

Commended

Dandelion Seeds by Patrick Joyce


Projected Image Competition – Advanced Category

First place

Fading Tulips by Terry Mann

Second place

Fragile Integrity by Rosemary Gibbs

Third place

Melting Ice by Jean Sutton

Highly Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Before the Wind Came Up by Ken Monk

Hanging by a Thread by Terry Mann

Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Fractured by Ken Monk

Waiting to Hatch by Jean Sutton


Projected Image Competition – Novice Category

First place

Bubbles by Patrick Joyce

Second place

Fragile Art by David Cunnane

Third place

Coventry Cathedral Glass by David Inman

Highly Commended

Cobweb by David Inman

Commended (in alphabetical order by title)

Ice on the Windscreen soon scraped off by David Cunnane

Perfume Bottles by Patrick Joyce