Robert Albright, Regional Organiser’s report

Tony Worobiec Lecture

For me, the highlight of our recent meetings was a talk ‘Abandoned America’ by Tony Worobiec FRPS. Tony showed us the original prints used to illustrate the book ‘Ghosts in the Wilderness’ which he co-authored with his wife, Eva. The story is of the settlement of North and South Dakota, Montana and Nebraska by European immigrants enticed by the railroad companies with cheap land. In the face of harsh weather and poor soil, most of the settlements have been abandoned leaving behind houses, schools and shops slowly decaying in the empty wilderness. Tony and Eva discovered these settlements almost by chance and over several years have built up an historical record of their demise. Some prints were hand-tinted, some monochrome and some colour. One of the beauties for photographers of the book is that each illustration is accompanied in an appendix by full technical details of film-type, camera and lens used. We will be awarding a copy to the best print taken on the August walk in Bath.

August Field Day

The Bath walk in August was blessed with good photographic weather, dry but not too hot to carry tripods and camera kit. We met at the Podium beforehand and in The Saracen’s Head afterwards, although most stayed in a group throughout.

Western Region Print Exhibition

In the Podium members met on another date to hang our annual print exhibition which was formally opened later in the day by President Elect of The RPS, Professor Ralph Jacobson. He took the opportunity to present Distinction Certificates to recent successful applicants as well as award winners in our own exhibition. Feedback over the week was very positive on the quality and variety of our work on display.

Looking Ahead

We are now planning next year’s programme. You can find details elsewhere in this Newsletter and on our website at rps-westernregion.co.uk. It is always best to check the website regularly as details can occasionally change at short notice. The meetings are free to all RPS Members. Thanks to Lesley Goode who opens the building for us, in the comfortable surroundings of RPS HQ, Fenton House, Bath (on the Wells Road up the hill from the Bath Station) on the second Sunday of the month 10 am-12 noon.

Arrangements for next year are well in hand and a provisional Diary appears on the back page of this newsletter. Please contact Robert Albright if you have any suggestions for next year. The editor will be pleased to receive contributions to the newsletter at any time – comments, black & white photographs, competition ideas, distinction successes are all welcome

11/05

Diary Dates for 2006 – The RPS Western Region meetings
at Fenton House, Wells Road, Bath from 10 am – 12 noon

January 8	AGM and New Year Competition. Lecture – Roger Reynolds Hon FRPS \|immediate Past President of The RPS
February 12	Lecture
March 12	Members Day - Bring, show and discuss your work
April 9	Lecture
May 14	Members Day - Bring, show and discuss your work
June 4	Distinctions Workshop at Fenton House - contact John Hankin or Carol Agar (See also RPS Journal)
June 11	Lecture
July 9	Members Print Exhibition - Selection
August 13	Field Day
September 10	Lecture
September 18 – 24	Western Region Exhibition -
October 8	Members Day - Bring, show and discuss your work
October 15	Distinctions Workshop at Fenton House - contact John Hankin or Carol Agar (See also RPS Journal)
November 12	Lecture
December 10	Members Day - Bring, show and discuss your work & Christmas Party

The venues and dates of any special events or large meetings will be announced as and when planned.