Boyle Camera Club AGM - Tuesday 14th October

Fiona Keenan on behalf of St. Vincent de Paul, accepts a donation from club Chairperson, Andy Rimmer. Also pictured are BCC Treasurer, Brian Munnelly and BCC Secretary, Marion Noone.

Welcome
The AGM was conducted as outlined in the agenda.

• Club Chairperson, Andy Rimmer opened the meeting.
• An inter-club photo shoot with North West Camera Club will take place (subject to confirmation) at Lough Key Forest Park on Sunday 26th October. Considering the beautiful Autumn colours in the park presently, this is a great time to visit!
• We will be defending our National Shield title this November. The committee are reviewing members work for the purpose of putting together colour and monochrome panels. Members will be contacted in the week ahead.
• Andy, Marion and Brian presented a cheque for €300 to Fiona Keenan, representing St. Vincent de Paul. The donation came from the proceeds of sales at our exhibition in Boyle Library during the Arts Festival.

AGM - Officers Reports

Andy Rimmer (Chairperson) gave a whistle-stop review of the activities and achievements of the club during the past year and presented his vision for the club in the year ahead. In particular, he called for more active participation from members in monthly photo shoots.

Brian Munnelly (Treasurer) presented the annual financial report. In short, the club is in a very healthy financial position which will enable us to invest in visiting presenters, workshops and possibly, equipment.

Marion Noone (Secretary) gave a very positive review of the past year with regard to her responsibilities as secretary.

The out-going committee stood down.

Election of New Committee and Officers

Chairperson - In the absence of additional nominations, Andy Rimmer agreed to accept the Chair for a third term. (carried via a show of hands from the floor).

Secretary - In the absence of additional nominations, Marion Noone agreed to accept the post of Club Secretary. (carried via a show of hands from the floor).

Treasurer - In the absence of additional nominations, Brian Munnelly agreed to accept the post of Club Treasurer. (carried via a show of hands from the floor).

Joe Kennedy, Mary Lane, Peter Kelly and Tony Murphy agreed to remain on the new committee.

Three new committee members were also elected; Kit O'Connor, Margaret Mulligan and John Walshe.

Tribute was given to outgoing committee members; Des O'Dwyer, Jason Mallard and Matthew Gammon, for their enormous contributions to the development and success of the club in the past year. All present expressed their gratitude!

Motions for Review
A number of motions to amend aspects of club procedure were presented by members.

Develop a new Facebook Page for members to freely post their photos

This was discussed at length without resolution. One major concern is the issue of copyright and ownership when images are uploaded to Facebook, something all photographers need to be aware of. It was agreed that this issue be discussed further by the new committee and report back to membership at the club meeting in November.

Committee Members personal contact details to be posted on the club website

This motion was rejected.

Club Membership Cards to be discontinued
This motion was rejected.
Facilitate Group Sessions and Technical Workshops BEFORE formal club meetings
This motion was accepted.
It was proposed that where appropriate and when members were available, workshops and specialist presentations could take place between 7.30 and 8pm before monthly club meetings.
A request for an expanded panel of presenters among club members
This motion was accepted.
Here, many members agreed to share their knowledge and contribute to presentations via workshops and during club meetings.
A request for an expanded panel of Motivation Judges
This motion was accepted.
Members would like to have more critical feedback from the monthly Motivation. They would welcome the views and responses from high profile, professional photographers from time-to-time. It was suggested that the club pay a gratuity for this service.

Photographer of the Year Awards

Photographers of the Year - From left; Sally Moffitt, Tony Murphy, Noreen McNamara with club Chairperson, Andy Rimmer.

Over the course of the year, club members acquire points for attendance at club meetings, photo shoots, participation in the monthly Motivations and other club activities. The title 'Photographer of the Year' is less about the quality of the individual's photography and more about their contribution  and involvement in the club. This year the winners are; Sally Moffitt - Beginners, Noreen McNamara - Intermediate and Tony Murphy - Advanced. The award in each category is a cheque for €50. Congratulation's to you all.

Motivation

Des O'Dwyer presented this month's Motivation. The theme for October was 'CONTENTMENT'. Andy Rimmer judged and critiqued the entries. See all entries HERE.

Motivation Winners this month are, top; Steve Dobson - 'Contentment'. Bottom left; Yvonne Sarsfield - 'Contentment' and Jordin Cummins - 'Love'.

The winners in each category were;

Advanced

1. Jordan Cummins - 'Love'
2. Mick Nolan - 'Contented Puppy'
3. Matthew Gammon - 'Apres Surf'

Intermediate

1. Steve Dobson - 'Contentment'
2. Declan Gaffney - '6.45am Slippers and Silence'
3. Martina Morris - 'Content to play on our own' and Derek Fetherstone - 'Happy as a Pig in Muck!'

Beginner

1. Yvonne Sarsfield - 'Contentment'
2. Sally Moffatt - 'Cheers'
3. Margaret Mulligan - 'Contentment'

The November Motivation Theme will be presented here after the next committee meeting, along with a set of themes for the year ahead.
As we begin a NEW CLUB YEAR, only images taken AFTER 1st of October 2014 will be eligible for Motivation entry!
Members can submit up to FOUR images.

A reminder also that the title of each photo should be;

"MEMBERS NAME - CATEGORY (Beg, Int, Adv), IMAGE TITLE and MEMBERSHIP NUMBER" e.g. “John Fox - Beg – Autumn Evening Reflection – 104.jpg”

Entries should be re-sized so that a landscape format photo is 1024 pixels wide or if in portrait format the photo is 600 pixels high.

November Motivation Entries on or before Friday 7th November  to;

motivationpics@gmail.com

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with abundant refreshments and entertainment in the form of belly-dancing and Karaoke! Now I bet you're sorry YOU weren't there!!

Next club meeting; Tuesday 11th November.
New (and former) members are always welcome.