AGM & Prize-giving
- May 4
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
On Wednesday 29th April, SPC held its AGM, where our Chairman and Committee reflected on what’s been a busy and hugely successful 2025–2026 season, oversaw the election of Officers for the coming year and presented updates on upcoming plans such as our Summer Programme of trips.
As always, one of the highlights of the evening was the annual Panel Competition, judged by our current and former Presidents, which once again drew some creative entries. After a coffee break and chance to catch up socially, we moved on to the presentation of trophies and certificates for this season’s league competitions.
New for this season, the club introduced a trophy for the ‘All Leagues Champion’ - awarded for outstanding results across all three competition categories combined. Fittingly named ‘The Julian Shaw Trophy’, it honours a talented and inspirational photographer and long-standing member of SPC.
Julian sadly passed away in 2024, and his family kindly donated photographic equipment to the club, the proceeds of which funded the purchase of the trophy - a wonderful and lasting legacy.
The night was rounded off with a showcase of SPC images recently shared with our friends at Kouvola Camera Club in Finland as part of the annual ‘3-Way Exchange’.
And so, as the curtain falls on this year’s competitions, it’s time for a HUGE shoutout to those who captured their way to the top of the 2025–2026 league tables…
All Leagues Champion – The Julian Shaw Trophy
Awarded to Paul Newman, who has enjoyed a remarkable season - finishing an impressive eleven points clear of worthy Runner-Up Bob Reynolds. A master of long-exposure photography, Paul’s images have consistently captivated judges across all three competition categories.
Print Competition
WINNER – Jo Bird (RUNNER-UP – Bob Reynolds)
With just one point separating the top three overall, it all came down to 6 images from three members in the final competition! A fantastic body of work from Jo this season made her a worthy winner.
DPI Group B (Intermediate/Advanced)
WINNER – Paul Newman (RUNNER-UP – Mike Hawkridge)
Paul’s distinctive long-exposure imagery continues to impress, blending technical skill with creative flair.
DPI Group A (Beginner)
WINNER – Tim Caves (RUNNER-UP – Rob Evans)
Another incredibly close contest, with Tim’s flair for travel photography helping him take the top spot.
MPI (Mobile)
WINNER – John Marchbank (RUNNER-UP – Rosemary Budgell)
Yet again, just one point in it - John’s striking landscapes proving just how powerful mobile photography can be.
2026 Panel Competition
WINNER - Mike Hawkridge (RUNNER-UP - Paul Newman)
All the entries were fantastic, but Mike's architectural abstracts of Birmingham's iconic Selfridges building wowed the judges.
Congratulations to all our winners and runners-up, and a big thank you to every member who took part in what’s been another fantastic season of competitions.
Below: Chairperson Karen Brindley presents trophies and certificates to the winners
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