From the Exhibition Secretary

The success of the Annual Exhibition is due to the enthusiasm and the team effort of the many committed members of the Society. I would like to thank you all for your support. Members rallied round during the second half of January whilst my wife Joyce was in hospital having her knee replacement operation and I am grateful for all the extra help received. Our President, Joyce, took on the onerous task of typing in all the entries to our programme. Bill Chadband chased up our sponsors and arranged the printing of the catalogue. Rodney Simpson produced the tickets, the print labels, and the presentation award tickets. Peter and Tony Redford organised the team of members taking in the prints or slides for the two interclub competitions and computerized all the club entries. Prominent in ensuring that the competitions ran like clockwork (no doubt to the envy of onlooking clubs in the L&CPU) were Frank Hutchinson on microphone and Alan Wild and Dave Akers handling the slides and Dorothy Redford and Geoff Robinson handling the digital print entries.

When I first approached Tony Redford with the idea that he might give an A-V Travel presentation he agreed to "if I couldn't find anyone else". Tony designed and printed our publicity poster for the event and put in much time and effort. The enhanced reputation that NCPS must have gained from the event, and the large audience, is a tribute to Tony.

Judging of the members entries took place at Hazel Grove Bowling & Tennis Club on January 19th . Our external judges were Jack Byatt (Bredbury & Romily PS), Martin Malies (S Manchester CC) and Norman (Prints) & Rona (slides) Walker (Hyde PS). Judging took all the time from 10.30am to 4.30pm with a short break for a buffet lunch provided by Dorothy Redford & Steph Clack. Dorothy's home-made cake & mince pies were much appreciated "afters". Dave Clack recorded all the results; Bill Chadband and myself handled the prints during the judging. Treasurer David Sharp ensured the judges got their just rewards; all overseen by president Joyce Streets. Brian Turnbull helped me plan the arrangement of prints on the stands.

Many members, too numerous to list, helped set up the exhibition on the Wednesday morning, took money and sold raffle tickets at the door, staffed the kitchen for teas, coffee and biscuits at the start of the evenings and during the intervals, and helped dismantle the exhibition. I thank them all for their contributions. David Sharp did Hall bookings, was on hand to pay appropriate expenses at all times , and concerned himself with ensuring we had sufficient raffle prizes. Thanks to all those members who donated raffle prizes.

You may be interested to know that planning for the 2004 exhibition is already under way. Incoming L&CPU President Keith Suddaby has been booked to open the exhibition. There have been informal discussions on the judging and judges; and ideas are being sought for an appropriate lecture/slideshow for the Friday. Please let me have your ideas and suggestions.