NEWS The latest news concerning Western Valley Camera Club is listed below Note: Western Valley Camera Club is not responsible for the content of any external websites.
	Western Valley Camera Club and Coronavirus
	The Committee at their meeting on the 16th March 2020, have decided that the Club will suspend all meetings in light of the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus situation). All activities are cancelled until at least 30th April 2020. The Officers of the Club will review the situation around the 20th April and will decide then how we proceed. If you have any queries about the club and this decision could you please direct queries to Chris Meaker, Secretary secretary@westernvalley.co.uk or Vince Penticost, Chairman chairman@westernvalley.co.uk
	16 March 2020
	PLEASE READ – STORM DENNIS
	As some of you may be aware the club was affected by the flooding during Storm Dennis on the weekend. The premises we use (Crosskeys RFC) for our meetings was submerged with 2ft of water. Anybody planning on visiting the Camera Club please check before visiting, as we have temporarily suspended our current programme. We will announce when normal service resumes.
	18 February 2020
	2020 Welsh Photographic Federation - Memorial Day
	Western Valley Camera Club were successful in winning the "Past Presidents Trophy" one of three competitions held at the Welsh Photographic Federations, Memorial Day. The "Past Presidents Trophy" is awarded to the best group of four colour Prints. Club Chairman Vince Penticost is seen receiving the award from WPF President Peter Young.
	18 January 2020
	2018 Print & DPI of the Year
	Thursday 13th December saw our annual Print and DPI of the Year evening which was judged this year by Dave Bennett. The awards for 2018 went to Vince Penticost for the Print of the Year with "Sprayed" and the DPI of the Year was won by Ron Lines with "Porthcawl"
	14-December-2018
	2018 Welsh Salon Successes
	Western Valley Camera Club members received good results from the Welsh Salon of Photography 2018 whose results were released today. The club would like to pass on their congratulations to the following members who between them had 20 acceptances. · Chris Powell AFIAP, AWPF (4 x DPI) · Eric Williams AFIAP, AWPF (4 x DPI) · David Rees (2 x Colour Print; 3 x DPI) · Ron Lines CPAGB, BPE2*, AFIAP, AWPF (3 x Colour Print; 1 x Mono Print; 3 x DPI) In addition Ron Lines CPAGB, BPE2*, AFIAP, AWPF received two Awards as follows: · The Boathouse - DPI, WPF Ribbon The Evening Shunt – Colour Print, WPF Ribbon
	· 04-April-2018
	Sad Announcement from Western Valley Camera Club
	It is with great sadness that Western Valley Camera Club announces the passing of one of their well-respected and much loved members Derek Terry. Derek was an accomplished photographer achieving his AWPF and CPAGB accreditations along with many international successes. He was a member of the WVCC executive committee for a number of years as our Exhibition Officer and he was invaluable in securing us four exhibitions every year throughout the area allowing us to promote not only the camera club but also the work of all its members. Although we will undoubtedly miss him for all the practical things he did for our club, it is the loss of him as a great friend and supporter that we will miss the most. Derek’s funeral is to be held at Moriah Church, Risca on Wednesday, 19th July at 12.15 followed by a short service at Croesyceiliog Crematorium Cwmbran. I am sure that you would all join with us in offering our sincere condolences to his wife, children and all of Derek’s family and friends at this sad time.
	12-July-2017
	Success for Members in Institute of Civil Engineers Photo Competition
	Two club members whose images were shortlisted in the final 15 of the Institute of Civil Engineers Wales Photo competition both walked away with Awards at the presentation evening in Cardiff on the 21^st November. Adrian Webster AWPF two images shortlisted in the final picked up 2^nd place with his image “New Rail Bridge” while Chris Meaker picked up the Peoples Award for his image “Final Adjustments to Bridge St Bridge” as voted for by visitors to the Exhibition Adrian and Chris are shown below receiving their Awards.
	In addition to the above, Chris had a second image selected for display in the exhibition of 35 entries while member John Cooke ARPS AWPF DPAGB EFIAPB also had an image excepted for display in the exhibition.
	22-November-2016
	In Loving Memory of Jan Williams
	It is with deep sadness that Western Valley Camera Club announces the passing of Jan Williams, one of our long standing members and a friend to all. Jan was indeed the backbone of our club and was dedicated to her role as our secretary, a dedication that she carried forward into her position with the Welsh Photographic Federation. Jan was always there to provide help and support to anyone, she enjoyed nothing more than sharing her experience and knowledge with others but also took great pleasure in learning new skills from her fellow photographers. Jan was enthusiastic, generous with her time and nothing was ever too much trouble. The space that she has left both in WVCC and the WPF will be very hard to fill but we will all be left with fond, happy memories of a lovely lady and a dear friend. All of our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. Update 1^st Nov: Jan’s funeral will be on Wednesday 9th November, at 11 o'clock at the Gwent Crematorium Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, NP44 2BZ
	30-October-2016
	Annual Print Exhibition
	During November the club will be holding a Print exhibition of member’s images at Risca Library. Please pop along and take a look
	24-October-2016
	Members Success in ICE Photography Competition
	Three club members John Cooke J Cooke ARPS AWPF DPAGB EFIAP/B, Chris Meaker and Adrian Webster AWPF. All had two images excepted into the Institute of Civil Engineers, Wales photography competition. 35 images from people all across Wales are being exhibited in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay until the 24th November 2016. Adrian has had his two images shortlisted in the final 15 images for the Overall winner while Chris has had one of his shortlisted. The winners will be announced on the 21st November.
	25-October-2016
	Competition Success
	On the 7^th November the Club achieved a joint 4^th place finish in Gwynfa CC, Pixels 2015 competition. Finishing 2 points behind the winning club. A credible performance from an entry of 36 clubs. On the 10th November the club finished 2^nd in the Rhondda Camera Clubs annual 12 way Projected Image battle.
	10-November-2015
	Members Distinction Success
	A couple of club members have recently earned and been awarded photographic distinctions as follows: · Derek Terry has been awarded his AWPF at the AWPF Distinction Day on the 8^th November after his submitted panel of 12 Prints was deemed to be of a suitable standard by the adjudication panel. · Chris Powell received his AFIAP certificate also at the AWPF Distinction Day after reaching the designated number of qualifying acceptances. · John Cooke has also received his EFIAP Bronze. Congratulations to all three members
	8-November-2015
	Print Exhibition
	Following on from the Recent exhibition of Club Prints held at the Riverfront Theatre, Newport. The club now have another exhibition of Prints being held at RIsca Library during November
	1-November-2015
	Viva El Presidente!!
	We are pleased to announce that Club Chairman, Vince Penticost AWPF, has been elected as the President of the Welsh Photographic Federation at their recent AGM for the next two years. It has been reported that Vince would like to now be addressed as “Mr President”
	7-March-2015

2014 NEWS
Barrian Cup Success
On Saturday 14^th June the club won the annual Barrian Cup competition organised by Barry Camera Club. It was a fairly impressive performance with four of the five images entered scoring the maximum 20 points. The five prints entered were as follows:
1 No Play Today Lyndon Hatherall (20pts)	2 Elan Valley Steve Hughes (17pts)	3 Last Respects Chris Powell (20pts)		4 Still Waters Adrian Webster AWPF (20pts)			5 Alone In The Woods John Cooke ARPS AWPF DPAGB EFIAP (20pts)
John Cooke, Vice Chairman is seen receiving the Barrian Cup.
14-June-2014
Newbridge Memo Exhibition
The club currently has an exhibition of images on display through out all of June at the Newbridge Memo, Newbridge.
30-May-2014
Festival Park Owl Sanctuary
On Thursday 29th May the club had a visit from the ‘Festival Park Owl Sanctuary’ which is located at Ebbw Vale. They brought along a selection of birds of various sizes for members of the club to photograph.
30-May-2014
Members Represent the Welsh Photographic Federation
Members Chris Powell and John Cooke AWPF, ARPS, DPAGB, EFIAP have both had images selected to represent “The Welsh Photographic Federation” in the PAGB Inter Federation Competition to be held on the 8th June. Chris had "Air" selected for the Monochrome Print while John had "A Man's Best Friend" in the Monochrome Print and "I Drove All Night" in the Colour Print sections.
29-May-2014
Recent Battle Successes
On the 14th May we completed a hat trick of recent battle success against local camera clubs with a narrow 363-362 point victory over Cwmbran PS. Prior to this we had achieved a 344-300 point victory over Tredegar CC on the 3rd April and a 328-344 point victory against Newport PC on the 28th February.
15-May-2014
Oxford House Exhibition
Throughout March we have an exhibition of members images on display at Oxford House, Adult Learning Centre, Risca
15-March-2014
Bristol Salon Success
Club member John Cooke ARPS AWPF DPAGB EFIAP enjoyed success recently in the prestigious Bristol Salon when his entry “Alone in the Woods” (see right) was awarded the RPS Gold Medal – Best Plantlife. This was one of four acceptances that John had in the Salon. In addition members Chris Powell (2) and Gerry Wells (1) also had images excepted in the Salon.
15-March-2014
60th Anniversary - Polo Shirts
The club have had recently launched a new design of Polo shirt with the latest club logo emblazoned upon it. If you are a current, former or even future member and would be interested in modelling one of the latest fashion items of clothing then please contact us by E_Mail webmaster@westernvalley.co.uk
20-February-2014
Exhibition at ‘Howards’, Risca
Local butcher’s shop ‘Howards’ are hosting displays of member’s images during 2014. The business owned by Howard Powell, the father of club member Chris Powell is located at 57 Commercial St, Risca. So if you would like see some wonderful photos while you do your shopping then pop on in. The images will be changed at regular intervals with a different member having their images displayed.
20-February-2014
Glyn Hawkins
It is with great sadness that we have to tell you that member Glyn Hawkins passed away unexpectedly on the morning of the 21^st January 2014. He had not been a well man for some years and of late, had become very poorly indeed. Despite that, he still managed to organise the clubs latest trip to the Isle Of Wight. Glyn has been a stalwart of the WVCC Committee since 2005 and was re-elected for the 2014 term and will be missed by all his colleagues within the club. He got on with the organisation of our many Christmas dinners, annual outings and holidays efficiently and without any fuss; and by doing so, was the source of a great deal of pleasure and enjoyment in the club. He was a quiet, unassuming man with a friendly word for everyone. A gentleman. We offer our condolences to his wife Cheryl and the family. We will let you know about the arrangements in due course.
22-January-2014
60th Anniversary - 100 Strangers Project
To celebrate the clubs 60th Anniversary we are undertaking a project where we have tasked members to try and capture 100 images of "Strangers" i.e. People they do know. We have a webpage dedicated to this project which will be updated throughout the year. So have a look at http://www.westernvalley.co.uk/100strangers/index.htm to see how we are progressing.
10-January-2014
60^th Anniversary Appeal
Upon entering the website, you may have noticed that our logo shows that 2014 sees the club celebrate its 60^th Anniversary having been founded in 1954. One of the things that we are lacking is information on the early years of the club, as we now do not have any members who are old enough to remember that far back. If anybody reading this has any information or stories from relatives who used to be a member or were a member themselves then please feel free to contact us with any information you can provide that will helps us fill gaps in our history. We plan on producing some commemorative products, more details of which will be announced soon. If any former member is interested in these then please contact any of the club officers.
5-January-2014

	2013 NEWS
	Keith Ferrier Memorial Trophy 2013
	The Club hosted the annual Keith Ferrier Memorial Trophy at our meeting on the 28^th November. Again we had the usual five clubs enter as well as ourselves, these were, Bargoed CC, Bedwas Trethomas & Machen CC, Caerphilly CC, Cwmbran PS & Ebbw Vale CC. The judge this year for the evening was Jan Cawley, EFIAP, Hon.FWPF. The full results for the evening were as follows:-
	1^st	110 Pts	Bargoed CC (Bargoed won by having more images that scored 20 points)
	2^nd	110 Pts	Western Valley CC
	3^rd	108 Pts	Ebbw Vale CC
	4^th	105 Pts	Cwmbran PS
	5^th	103 Pts	Caerphilly CC
	6^th	99 Pts	Bedwas, Trethomas & Machen CC
	There were three images that received a maximum score of 20. This was “Nuthatch” from Bargoed and “Water Wheels” and “Blue Queen” which collected awards as follows:-
	Best Architectural Print:			Western Valley CC - “Petronas Towers” by Allen Lloyd ARPS AWPF
	Best Monochrome Print:			Ebbw Vale CC - “Water Wheels” by Bob Thrush
	Best Print:			Cwmbran PS - “Blue Queen” by Dave Kitson
	Alan Packham from Bargoed CC receives the Keith Ferrier Trophy from Jan Cawley, EFIAP, Hon.FWPF
	29-November-2013
	AWPF Distinction Success
	On Sunday 10th November, 2013 three club members each submitted a panel of 12 images at the AWPF distinctions to try and obtain their AWPF distinction. Club member and Chairman Vince Penticost was the only one of the three members to be successful and achieve the distinction with his panel of 12 Prints entitled "Miniature World of Flowers" Congratulations to Vince and his panel can be viewed here.
	11-November-2013

	2012 NEWS
	2012 Stanley Chell Trophy
	On Saturday 24^th November we entered the Stanley Chell Trophy competition held by Aberdare Camera Club. Our four Images “Sax in the City” by G Wells, “The Hooker” by C Powell, “Doolough Eire” by V Penticost & “The Lone Violinist” by J Cooke ARPS AWPF amassed a total of 65 points which saw us finish joint 17^th.
	25-November-2012
	Keith Ferrier Memorial Trophy 2012
	The Club hosted the annual Keith Ferrier Memorial Trophy at our meeting on the 22^nd November. Again we had the usual five clubs enter as well as ourselves, these were, Bargoed CC, Bedwas Trethomas & Machen CC, Caerphilly CC, Cwmbran PS & Ebbw Vale CC. The judge for the evening was Mervyn Pugh ARPS, AFIAP, AWPF, DPAGB. The full results for the evening were as follows:-
	1^st	106 Pts	Cwmbran PS
	2^nd	105 Pts	Ebbw Vale CC
	3^rd	103 Pts	Bargoed CC
	4^th	102 Pts	Western Valley CC
	5^th	86 Pts	Bedwas, Trethomas & Machen CC
	6^th	84 Pts	Caerphilly CC
	There were four images that received a maximum score of 20. This was “The Lone Violinist” by John Cooke of Western Valley and the following three images which all collected awards as follows:-
		Best Architectural Print:		Ebbw Vale CC - “Underworld” by Gary Howells
		Best Monochrome Print:		Cwmbran PS - “Dartmoor Farm” by Dave Kitson
		Best Print:		Cwmbran PS - “Sweet Light” by Stuart Plaister
	24-November-2012
	Gynfa CC – Pixels 2012
	This year along with 35 other clubs we entered Pixels 2012 competition held by Gwynfa Camera Club in Talbot Green. The competition was this year judged by Dave Mason The competition requires 4 Projected Images consisting of 2 colour and 2 Monochrome. Our entries this year were “Spanish Villa” by Carole Mason and “Need for Speed” by John Cooke for the colour entries and “Ready to Roll” by Chris Meaker and “Triangular Treads” by Chris Powell for the monochrome. Our four entries amassed a total of 66 points leaving us to finish in a disappointing joint 22^nd place. Further details of the competition results can be found on the website of Gynfa Camera Club here.
	09-November-2012
	Match A Projected Image Evening
	On Thursday 27^th September the club held its annual Match a Projected Image evening against Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly Camera Clubs. This is a competitive but light hearted competition with the emphasis being on entertainment. The judge this year was Brian Coleman AWPF who had the enviable task of defining who had the closest match to the lead image. The competition was again extremely competitive with all three clubs still be able to provide suitable matches after 40 rounds! The eventual winners for the second year running were Ebbw Vale Camera Club. The trophy was this year presented in honour of former member Dennis Dixon who passed away earlier this year. Dennis had been a club member for 20+ years and was outward looking and quite advanced with his photography compared to many members of the time. Dennis was forced to give up club membership around 2006 due to ill health, although he did keep in touch with club happenings with regular phone calls. The trophy for the winners was sponsored by Dennis’s wife Norma, and was presented to Ebbw Vale by one of Dennis’s relatives on behalf of Norma.
	02-Oct-2012
	Annual Print Exhibition
	The club’s Annual Print exhibition was held at Risca Library and Cwmcarn Forest Drive between the 1^st and 15^th September. The exhibition was well received by members of the public. The photos right show the Exhibition in Risca Library, which was held on two floors within the building. Following the success of last year again members of the public were able to vote for their favourite image in the exhibition. The winner of which will be announced later in the year.
	19-Sep-2012
	Annual Print Exhibition
					The Club will this year be holding the Annual Print exhibition for two weeks. Also it will be held at two venues, from the 1^st September to the 8^th September it will be held at Risca Library and then from the 9^th September to the 15^th September the Exhibition will move to the Visitor Centre at Cwmcarn Scenic Drive. For the opening times and how to find the two venues, please visit the respective websites of Caerphilly CBC below: Risca Library http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/site.aspx?s=EPSdUZc4tEmuAUh+bDwAkklgtdXqvZuFjuaVM7Mo11NH/eOsQFE9mw== Cwmcarn Visitor Centre http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/visitor-centre/visitor-centre Please feel free to drop us an E-mail to let us know your thoughts on the Exhibition <Click Here to leave Feedback>
	21-Aug-2012
	2012 Welsh International Salon Successes
	Congratulations go to members John Cooke ARPS AWPF DPAGB AFIAP, Chris Powell and Gerry Wells who have all had images accepted in 2012 Welsh International Salon. The following is a list of their respective images that were accepted and an example of each of their work.
	John Cooke ARPS AWPF DPAGB AFIAP Need for Speed The Outcome Cinders Foggy day at Western Split Personality Myscella Fungi				Need for Speed
	Chris Powell Scala a Chiocciola The Torch 2012 The Hooker The Agony Easy Peal				Easy Peal
	Gerry Wells Coming Through Can't Take My Eyes of You Shanghai Market Street Cobbler				Can't Take My Eyes of You
	8-Aug-2012
	Cardiff Photomarathon Success
	Member Chris Meaker has been at it again, being one of the 400 entrants in this year’s Cardiff Photomarathon again. Chris this time achieved success with his image in the category ‘Friendship’ being chosen as the category winner in the competition. A picture of Chris and his winning image is shown below.
	Chris’s image was one of the images that appeared on the BBC News website (see here). All the winning images can be found in the following book (see here) which is available for sale.
	31-Jul-2012
	Olympic Torch Security Breach?
	With the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay being in the area on Friday 25^th May and Saturday 26^th May a number of club members were out and about taking photographs of the event at various locations. It has come to light since that one member, Steve Hughes appears to have got inside the Olympic Torch security cordon as shown in the photograph below (He’s the one in the centre). Steve puts it down to the fact that he was using a large Nikon DSLR so they assumed he was a member of the press!!
	Picture from www.bbc.co.uk .
	1-Jun-2012
	Club Images Selected to Represent the Welsh Photographic Federation
	Congratulations to members John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF and Chris Powell who each had an image selected to represent The Welsh Photographic Federation in the PAGB Inter-Federation Print Competition from their Welsh Salon, Colour Print acceptances. Shown below are the two chosen images.
	The Hooker by Chris Powell						Split Personality by John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF
	27-May-2012
	Battle with Gwent Photographic & Digital Imaging Society
	On Thursday 10^th May we hosted our 2012 annual battle with Gwent Photographic. The judge for the night was David Lingham FRPS from Gwynfa Camera Club. The Prints were judged first which saw Western Valley take a 156-151 lead. There was only one Print which received 20 points which was Western Valley’s “The Old Harbour” by Chris Powell. The second half saw Western Valley winning the first half of the PI competition with Gwent taking the second half, resulting in Gwent winning the PI competition 156-153. Gwent’s image “Bad Hair Day” was the only PI to receive 20 ponts. This resulted in Western Valley winning the Battle with a final score of 309-307
	11-May-2012
	Club Members Capture the Action at The Millennium Stadium
	Following on from the request last year by our hosts Cross Keys RFC to provide a photographer for club home matches. Members John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF and Chris Meaker who had covered most of the seasons matches, plus rugby fan Sarah Beckingham (who was persuaded to join the Camera Club) and who had already been helping the Rugby Club with photographs, were all rewarded for their seasons work by being invited by the Rugby Club to go and photograph the SWALEC Cup Final between Cross Keys and Pontypridd pitch side at the Millennium Stadium. The images on the right show the intrepid trio in action at the Millennium Stadium. A selection of images from the game will be posted on the website at a later date.						John & Sarah Sarah & Chris
	9-May-2012
	Cross Keys Rugby Club
	Congratulations go to our hosts Cross Keys RFC who on Monday 7^th May won their first ever trophy when they defeated Pontypridd 32-19 in the SWALEC Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
	7-May-2012
	2012 Welsh Salon
	The end of March saw a number of members have acceptance in the Welsh Salon as follows:- J Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF - 1 x Colour Print; 2 x Projected Images C Meaker - 2 x Projected Images V Penticost - 1 x Colour Print C Powell - 2 x Colour Print; 1 x Projected Images A Webster AWPF - 2 x Projected Images All the images accepted in the Salon will be on display at Swansea Museum. See here for details
	27-March-2012
	Congratulations to Member John Cooke
	John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF has recently had two of his images printed in the The Royal Photographic Society magazine, Digit. John's portfolio for the RPS can be seen here.
	25-March-2012
	Welsh Photographic Federation AGM
	At the Welsh Photographic Federations AGM on Sunday March 4th, three club members were elected to serve on the Committee as follows:- Our Secretary Jan Williams, was elected as Secretary of the Federation after serving previously as a Committee member. Our Chairman Vince Penticost, and Vice-Chairman John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF were elected as ordinary Committee Members Congratulations to all three.
	05-March-2012
	Battle with Newport Photographic Club
	Our regular annual Battle occurred with Newport P C was this year hosted by Newport on Friday 24th February. The judge was Imants Grindulis from Cardiff CC. The Prints were judged during the first half which saw the battle evenly tied at 181-181 apiece. In the Print section three 20's were awarded; "Seascape" & "Water Colour" from Newport and for Western Valley, "Cinders" by John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF The second half saw Western Valley go on to win the battle after winning the Projected Image section 183-181 giving a final score of 364-362 to Western Valley. Three 20's were awarded in this section "Owl Landing" for Newport and "Porthcawl Storm" by Allen Lloyd ARPS AWPF and "Teds Bushed" by Dennis Hodges for Western Valley
	26-February-2012
	Ace of Clubs 2012
	On Sunday 19th February the club took part in the annual Ace of Clubs competition in Talbot Green doing battle with twenty other clubs from across South Wales. A disappointing first round saw is finish in joint 14th place. In the second round we faired a lot better and managed to raise our position to 10th just 3 points short of progressing to the third round of the main competition. The 10th place saw us then participate in the Plate competition for the bottom 12 clubs who were eliminated from the main competition. In the plate competition we finished a disappointing 4th with our 8 images scoring 94 points. The full results of the Ace of Clubs competition can be found here.
	20-February-2012
	2012 Welsh Photographic Federation Memorial Trophy
	On Saturday 28^th January the club attended the Memorial Trophy competition which this year was hosted by Llanelli Camera Club. Our four Images “The Lone Swimmer” by C Meaker, “Sparks” by C Powell, “Man Mountain” by A Kibble & “Split Personality” by J Cooke ARPS AWPF amassed a total of 72 points which saw us finish a creditable joint 6^th out of 28 clubs from across South Wales
	01-February-2012
	Result of the Western Valley Camera Club Exhibition Public Vote
	During the clubs exhibition at the end of October a ballot was held for all visitors to vote for their favourite image in the exhibition. All entrants who placed the winning image first were eligible to win a copy of the image. The image that received the most votes was “Good Morning Brockweir” by John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF. (shown rignt). The lucky winner that voted for John’s image was Lynne Hiscocks of Risca. Lynne is shown below receiving her framed image from John at the club’s Annual Awards evening.
	07-January-2012

	2011 NEWS
	Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
	To all members past, present and future (and casual browsers) we would like to wish you and your family a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. If there are any past or future members interested in coming along to see us, we restart our meetings on Thursday, 5th January 2012 at Cross Keys Rugby Club with our Annual Awards Evening. You will be able to see all the winning entries plus more from the 2011 club competitions. On January 12th normality returns to the club, when battle commences with the first club competition of the year which is Still Life/Table Top Prints (and if the AGM on this subject was anything to go by, the critique session should be lively!).
	16-December-2011
	Need a Judge?
	Judges. Like Marmite, you either love them or hate them. They build you up and then let you down and can destroy your pride in about 30 seconds. The Club Chairman Vince Penticost is regularly out judging competitions at various clubs in the region. Normally we never hear much about these events, but recently we came across a report from his recent exploits of judging a multi club Battle down at Port Talbot Camera Club. Here is what they had to say about our Vince. ".....I had a funny feeling that it didn't matter if we didn't win, because Vince was on top form and delivering an excellent critique for every print. Members, including me sometimes, moan that judges give flat, senseless mutterings. Well, not this time! We should remember that there are some good judges out there, who’ve got the pluck to get up in front of audiences and try to inform and entertain...............When we got to "Bare Winter" Vince made a valid point that he could notice the branch had been added. No other judge has picked up on this before (and neither have us selectors!)" Well if you want to have your work well scrutinised Vince is your man. (But please don't book him on the date of our AGM!!)
	15-December-2011
	Smethwick International 37th Exhibition of Photography
	Two club members achieved success with acceptances in this year’s Smethwick International Exhibition of Photography. Alan Kibble had three acceptances, while John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF had a total of 8 acceptances. The following is a list of their acceptances:-
	John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF Open DPI Vacant Chair Cinders Twins NATURE DPI Broom Seed Pod Hoverfly TRAVEL DPI Good Morning Brockweir The Face of Cardiff Bay Tumbleweed Connection						Alan Kibble OPEN DPI Man Mountain The Mask Still There
	In addition John Cooke ARPS DPAGB AWPF was also awarded with the SPS Medal: Graham Reeves for his image “The Face of Cardiff Bay” (shown right).
	12-December-2011
	Battle against Gwent Photographic & Digital Imaging Society
	Our annual battle with Gwent Photographic & Digital Imaging Society was held on the 8^th December at Gwent’s meeting in Rogerstone, Newport. Coincidentally the judge was again Brian Coleman AWPF. The first half of the battle was the PI’s which saw Gwent take the lead with a score of 165-164. In this section two images achieved 20 which were “The General” from Gwent and for Western Valley “Gobstopper” by Allen Lloyd ARPS AWPF. Western Valley went on to win the Print battle in the second half with a score of 167-157 . Two Western Valley Prints scored 20 which were “Cinders” & “Split Personality” both by John Cooke ARPS AWPF. This saw Western Valley win the battle 331-322
	09-December-2011
	2011 Stanley Chell Trophy
	On Saturday 3^rd December we attended the Stanley Chell Trophy competition held by Aberdare Camera Club. Our four Images “The Warm Up” by C Meaker, “Sparks” by C Powell, “Man Mountain” by A Kibble & “Good Morning Brockweir” by J Cooke ARPS AWPF amassed a total of 61 points which saw us finish a disappointing joint 19^th.
	05-December-2011
	Congratulations to John Cooke ARPS AWPF
	Congratulations to go to our Vice Chairman, John Cooke ARPS AWPF who achieved his PAGB Distinction on Saturday 26^th November at Llanberis, North Wales. John was one of 35 entrants who were being assessed on the day. John was required to submit 15 Prints which were then scored by 6 judges with between 2 and 5 points, giving a maximum of 30 points per image. The pass criteria was 300 points and John successfully achieved 311 points with his 15 images. Of the 35 entrants only 17 passed. So well done John.
	26-November-2011
	Keith Ferrier Memorial Trophy
	The Club hosted the annual Keith Ferrier Memorial Trophy at our meeting on the 24^th November. This year we had five clubs enter as well as ourselves, these were, Bargoed CC, Bedwas Trethomas & Machen CC, Caerphilly CC Cwmbran PS & Ebbw Vale CC. The judge for the evening was Phil Ray CPAGB who had a challenging evening. It looked like it was going to be a good competition when the first image for the evening “Up Front” by Bargoed CC received a top score of 20. Following the first five rounds, going into the final round four clubs were tied on 86 points. The competition was eventually won by Ebbw Vale who scored a maximum 20 points with “Lesser Redpoll” their final entry. The full results for the evening were as follows:-
	1^st	106 Pts			Ebbw Vale CC
	2^nd	105 Pts			Bargoed CC
	3^rd	102 Pts			Caerphilly CC Western Valley CC
	5^th	101 Pts			Bedwas, Trethomas & Machen CC
	6^th	98 Pts			Cwmbran PS
	In addition to the two maximum scores already mentioned “Simon Shaw” by Bedwas Trethomas & Machen CC also received a 20. The other Awards for the evening were awarded as follows:-
		Best Architectural Print:				Caerphilly CC – “Solitude” by Johnny Rogers
		Best Monochrome Print:				Bedwas , Trethomas & Machen CC – “Simon Shaw” by John North
		Best Print:				Bargoed CC – “Up Front” by Lyn Dury
			Tony Wilkins, Secretary of Ebbw Vale Camera Club is presented with the Keith Ferrier Memorial Trophy by Phil Ray CPAGB
	25-November-2011
	Battle against Cwmbran Photographic Society
	The annual battle with Cwmbran was hosted by ourselves on the evening of 10^th November. The competition which was judged by Brian Coleman AWPF saw Western Valley take a commanding lead of 168-157 following the Prints. This was then followed by a closer battle in the PI’s when Cwmbran took the round 163-164. This saw an overall win for Western Valley of 331-321. One 20 was awarded during the competition which went to John Cooke ARPS AWPF of Western Valley for “Split Personality”.
	11-November-2011
	Gynfa CC – Pixels 2011
	Including ourselves a record 33 clubs took part in the Pixels 2011 competition held by Gwynfa Camera Club in Talbot Green. The competition was this year judged by Tony Potter, PPSA, EFIAP/b, ARPS, DPAGB, APAGB, from Cumbria. The competition requires 4 Projected Images consisting of 2 colour and 2 Monochrome. Our entries this year were “Shoppers” by Chris Meaker and “Natural History Museum” by Haley Martin for the colour entries and “Father & Son” by Dennis Hodges and “Cinders” by John Cooke for the monochrome. Our four entries amassed a total of 66 points leaving us to finish in a respectable joint 11th place. Further details of the competition results can be found on the website of Gynfa Camera Club here.
	06-November-2011
	Western Valley Camera Club 2011 Print Exhibition
	The Clubs Annual Print Exhibition held between the 26^th and 29^th October at the Moriah Baptist Church, Risca, proved an all round success. A steady flow of visitors was seen over the four days of the exhibition which featured over 80 prints from most members within the club. A popular feature was the ability for visitors to the exhibition to vote for their top three favourite Prints in the exhibition. The results of the poll will be announced on this website when available.
	31-October-2011
	Photographers help out Cross Keys RFC
				The club was recently approached by our hosts Cross Keys RFC to see if we could help out with providing the club match day photographs for use on their website. Two club members John Cooke and Chris Meaker have stepped forward to cover two recent home matches. A 33-20 win against Llanelli and a 6-26 defeat to Bridgend have so far been covered.
	30-October-2011
	Western Valley Camera Club 2011 Print Exhibition
	The Club will be holding its Annual Print Exhibition between the 26^th and 29^th October at the Moriah Baptist Church, Tredegar St, Risca, NP11 6BU (see here) The exhibition will be open between 10:00 and 16:00 daily and will feature a display of 80+ Prints from members of the club.If you require more details about the exhibition then please contact the Club Secretary, Jan Williams
	8-October-2011
	PAGB Print Exhibition at Blaenavon
	The 2011 PAGB Print Exhibition opens at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre on the 1^st October. The Official opening is at 2pm on Saturday 1^st October. The exhibition is open from 09:00 to 16:00 from the 1^st October to 29^th October (Not open on Mondays) For further details contact 01495 742333 or www.visitblaenavon.co.uk
	8-October-2011
	Member Success in the Newport Photomarathon
	Club Member Chris Meaker finished a credible 5^th in the Newport Photomarathon which took place on the 28^th August. All the images that were submitted at the end of the competition can be seen here. Although Chris is refusing to say which images are his!!!
	15-September-2011