Wessex Cup 2010
Apr 28th, 2010 by Keith Chaloner
Gender is not normally an issue at Blandford but an exception was made on Tuesday 27th April when we held our annual competition for the Wessex Cup. This event takes the form of a print battle between the men and women members in which both sides submit a couple of dozen prints, half colour and half black and white. The judge on this occasion was Terrick Meakin who, in characteristic fashion, entertained a full house by offering a commentary and awarding marks out of ten for each image. Terrick’s unique and entertaining style means that, even after his critique, the marks can still surprise!
Against the background of Terrick’s enthusiastic commentary, the battle was keenly contested with the fortunes of both sides waxing and waning throughout the evening. Having said that, it must be admitted that, on balance, the men were waning more than they were waxing. This meant that they found themselves having to press hard from behind for much of the time in a desperate attempt to topple the women who, by and large, maintained the dominant position and were on top for most of the evening. Nevertheless, the result was still in doubt until judgement was heard on the very last print. After this, nominated representatives from the two teams agreed the final result which was that the women had emerged worthy winners but by the narrowest margin of 186 points to 185. My word, how we all clapped!
Terrick marked from a minimum of five to the maximum of ten but without the use of half points. In all he gave three tens, and all were for fine colour prints. One of these was awarded to Dionne Horsfall for a still life of a rose, whilst the other two went to Colin Cross for pictures of birds in flight.
After this, Terrick was invited to present the trophy, in the form of a silver chalice-like cup to a representative of the winning team. With touching reticence and a modesty which spoke highly of her, June Harfield eventually stepped up to accept the trophy on behalf of the women. Terrick gave her a congratulatory kiss on the cheek. At this point our Chairman emerged from the shadows and added his congratulations in the form of a similar kiss. The Chairman and the judge then shook hands.
Malcolm Bowditch
A week has passed and I note that the ladies still have that warm glow of smugness, from beating the men on merit.
It was a very well deserved result and I note that the ladies used entries from 11 members, whilst the mens entries were from 7 members. In short, the ladies entries were far more representative of their overall work than the mens.
My warmest congratulations to the whole ladies team for a job well done.
Colin Cross