'A Sore Head' - Book Launch

Robert Welch - artist

 ATP Studios launched an artist book entitled  'A Sore Head' by Robert Welch, the book documents his return to painting after suffering a stroke. The book includes images and thoughts recorded during this time, and is a record of his inspirational journey back to health. Initially he was encouraged by family and friends to pick up a pencil and begin drawing, they have continued to  support him throughout his recovery and the fundraising campaign which brought this book to life.

Liz May (Gallery Manager) and Robert Welch - Artist

Jian Wei Lim who works at APT Studios & Gallery undertook the challenge to raise funds to publish the book and this event was the culmination of both their efforts in its publication and launch.

Jian Wei Lim (Gallery Assistant) with Robert Welch

Robert Welch & supporters at the book launch

The book launch was a huge success, the gallery packed with people who had supported the fundraising campaign, friends and family and those interested in seeing the original artwork and listening to this inspirational story.

I have been asked to supply the images from the book launch for the ATP Website and Publicity, with credits given to me for any images used..

Flying High

When Carolyn Screech was a child, she found two abandoned baby owls which she named and looked after before eventually releasing them back into the wild, this experience created a lifelong passion for owls which led to the creation of the Screech Owl Sanctuary.

Starting out with a small collection in her garden, she was given a collection of captive birds by an elderly breeder which forced a move to a smallholding in 1990 and it was here that the Screech Owl Sanctuary was born.

Voicey the  Great Grey Owl in Flight

Barn Owl - Tyto alba

Fiona works at the Sanctuary as an apprentice and will learn all about how to look after the owls and how to handle them, she did an excellent job at the flying display with a variety of owl species. The centre has six British Barn Owls

Fiona with Angel an Ashy faced Owl-Tyto Glaucops

Voicey -  Great Grey Owl - Strix nebulosa lapponica

The centre has four Great Grey Owls, this is Voicey in flight, and with Fiona during the flying display. Displays are held three times a day. There is also the opportunity to meet some of the owls up close and to touch them. During the display people were given the opportunity to don the glove and have the owls fly to them.

The owl sanctuary includes a hospital where they treat sick and injured owls from all over the South West, many of the owls are released back into their former locations once they are fit and well.

The centre also advises landowners on land management for owls and the provision of owl nesting boxes. In 2002 the centre won the coveted BBC Animal Award.

All information taken from The Screech Owl Sanctuary Website

New Chancellor for Falmouth University

In 2012, Falmouth University made history by becoming the first University in and of Cornwall. Today  Dawn French became its first Chancellor, and will play a leading role in the public life of the University.

The installation of the Chancellor was a colourful event with the procession led by Redruth School Samba band and followed  by children from 10  local schools wearing the Falmouth yellow 

t-shirts and handing out spring daffodils. The people of Falmouth flocked to line the streets along the route from the town hall to the Church of King Charles the Martyr. 

Kernow Pipes and Drums lead the Academic Procession along the route

The Academic Procession included the Mayors and Macebearers 

Academic Staff from the University

Marine and Natural History Course Leader, Jim Lowe in all his finery.

The Ceremonial Gown worn by the new Chancellor was designed by Falmouth Fashion and Textiles Students.

With a lifelong association with Cornwall, Dawn French is the ideal figurehead for Falmouth.

 An award-winning actress, comedian and best selling novelist, she exemplifies the outlook and skills needed to succeed in the Arts.

Student ambassadors and mentors were among the guests invited to the installation at the Church of King Charles, the Martyr.

Anne Thorn and Andrew Granger (above)  from the Mature Student Cohort, were among the guests.

Thatching: Angrouse Farm, Mullion

South West Thatching  have just started their second major re thatch of the year. They are currently working with water reed on the listed thatch roof at the old Angrouse farm in Mullion.

Jack Stiles Master Thatcher has grown up and trained around the Lizard Peninsula, both he and his partner, Toby, are  passionate about the work they do.

Water Reed is grown in marshes and lakes and is widely used across the UK. Historically harvested using sickels or scythes, this method can still be seen today. Water reed is also known as Norfolk Reed or Continental Reed.

With over 15 years experience, the team at South West Thatchers have a wealth of knowledge about cob wall conservation, timber work and thatching. They have worked on numerous National Trust Projects providing a friendly and passionate service at all times.

Toby Marr is also a Master Thatcher, who undertook a 5 year apprenticeship, he uses traditional age old techniques handed down by generations of Master thatchers 

Using local materials and tradesmen whenever possible they provide good customer service, and excellent quality work at a fair price.

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Christopher is a star turn 23rd March 2013

Young Musician of the Year Awards

Christopher Hill entertained and delighted everyone with his performances on Sax, Flute & Piccolo & also sang his way to success picking up the award for ‘Young Musician of the Year’ with his excellent and imaginative rendition of ‘Le Merle Blanc’ on the Piccolo.

The Young Musician of the Year Competition of 2013 was held on Saturday 23^rd March at Melbourne Junior School.

This Event saw a good turnout of extremely talented young people from beginners through to grade 8 musicians.

It was an excellent event well attended by family and friends and a host of invited guests. “A great evening, with so many talented young people” was the overall comment on the night.

The event which is in it’s 15^th year, is sponsored & organized by the Rotary Club of Melbourne, Douglas Keith, who has been running it for the past 3 years, said the turnout for the afternoon competition saw an increase in both talent and numbers with twenty talented youngsters taking part.

The event was adjudicated by Mr. Terry Clay, a member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne and Mr. Tony Westeman who delivered excellent feedback and constructive comments to each candidate.

The Prize Presentations & Certificates were awarded by Dr. Phillip Rosser, the president of the Rotary Club of Melbourne.

A new ‘beginners Shield’ was awarded this year and was presented by Maggie Sharp  to Charlie Coleston-Shields for his accomplished performace on the Cello.

Three of the winners from the afternoon competition, Kiera Cooksey, Jacob Middleton & Bethany Caswell were invited to attend & perform at the evening event.

The evening’s event saw performances by 10 musicians with Eden Walker’s talented performance on the Piano winning him the runners up trophy. Bethany Caswell, who played Harp and Piano winning the award for best performer under 15.

The Piano was supplied by Foulds of Derby.

Christopher Hill, the winner of ‘Young Musician of the Year Award’ is invited to perform at a Concert in the Assembley Rooms, Derby on 5^th April 2013.

The awards were presented by Principle Guest, Miss Jane Hinchliff, Head teacher at Melbourne Junior School

Summary:

I was asked to cover this event by both the Village Voice and the Rotary Club of Melbourne. The editor of the Village Voice's remit was to get images of the small children and possibly the presentation.

I decided to stay for the whole event so that I could get images of all participants and the awards ceremony. The event started at 1pm and finished at 10pm with a short break between 4.30 & 6pm.

I took both my Canon 50d with a 28mm - 135mm lens and my Canon 5d with a 50mm, 1.4 prime lens.

I used the 50d with a canon flash EX430II hand held for the presentations and at the start of the event. However, one parent was a little upset and said I was a distraction.  I switched to the 50mm lens without flash and took images of each contestant from a distance and then adjusted the images in photoshop. 

Funny for Money: 15th March 2013

Kangaroos Pre School Nursery School Children celebrate & support Comic Relief

Explorer's Youth Group in Melbourne host a 'onesies' night to raise money for Comic Relief

Local Children made a difference for Comic Relief this year, with a range of fund raising activities to help support red nose day.

Pre School children from ‘Kangaroos Jump Ahead Learning’ dressed in Red for & and entered the quiz to see which hair style Jessie J would sport after shaving her head all to raise money for the charity.

They also entered into the spirit of the theme – ‘Funny for Money’ and made funny facemasks that they wore.  (Picture)

Later in the day the Explorers Youth Group hosted a ‘Onesies’ night at the United Reform Church in Melbourne, to support Comic Relief. (Picture).

The Explorers Youth group is run by Emma Sharratt & Thomas Hackett who organize fun activities for children aged 11 – 15, one mother commented that it is the best youth group in and around Melbourne.

The group meet on a Friday at the United Reform Church from 6pm – 7.45 newcomers are welcome.

Comic Relief originally hosted by Jonathan Ross and Lenny Henry, has been making a difference for the past 25 years for children both in this Country and Abroad, it raised £74 million last year and has topped this amount in 2013 by raising over £75 million.

Summary:

As the Editor was away this week, I emailed him to ask if he wanted me to cover the comic relief fundrasing events around Melbourne. I did not get a reply from him but decided to cover them just in case s I felt it was an event that should be covered by the Village Voice.

I chose two events - primarily because I had contacts in both and I knew they were having an event.

I took several of the pre school children, I have worked here before & new the venue and the lighting. It is a fairly big space and the children were willing and co operative to the idea of a photoshoot.

In the evening I went to the United Reform Church where the Explorers meet on a weekly basis, I have taken images here for the Fashion show a couple of days ago so knew the location and the lighting. This was an easy shoot to complete and the lighting was easily bounced off the ceiling.

Both shoots were simple to carry out and completed within a short period of time. I think that this is in part due to a prior knowledge of the venue and also feeling more confident in my ability to capture the image. As I continue to carry out assignment, my confidence is growing in talking to and directing people to get the shot I need, and also in my photographic skills and ability.

The Editorial I wrote was used and both Editorial and images were published on the front page of the April Village Voice.

Equipment:

Canon 50d, canon EX430 II Flash  hand held

1/125sec; f/8' 33mm

1/125sec; f/8; 34mm

debraburgess-lim LRPS