Graham Dawson Photography Competition- photocomp@wendoveru3a.org.uk

Graham Dawson Photography Competition- Entries are open from all Members.

The Competition

Following in the tradition set by the Photography Group, this competition is open to all types of camera users and to all Wendover u3a members, who also take part in judging the competition.

It has never been easier to capture a good quality photograph, nor has it ever been more convenient: many of us carry a mobile phone with a built-in camera, and what could be simpler than using your phone to capture that special moment.

Some Previous Winners

2015-Winner Vulcan Bomber, Stephen S.
2016 -Winner Busy Bee, John G.
2017 -Winner Regent’s Park U3A 2017 Walk ,David L.
2018- Winner Heron, Liz L.
2019- Winner Blackbird in Bath, Jim E
2020-Lockdown Winner Backwards and Forwards John L.
2020-Welcome to my Bubble Gill C.
2021 -Winner -Kingfisher at Lunch John L.
2021 -Runner up November Mist, Marian El
2022 -Winner Life on the Ledge ,John L.
2022 -Runner up Collecting Nectar Points Jim E.
2023 Joint Winner- The Stillness of Winter Paul M
2023 Joint Winner- Bell Ropes Paul G.
2023 -Runner up April Showers Jim E.
2024 -Winner Bucks Berry Fest! John L.
2024 - Runner up Nuts! Jim E.
2025 -Winner Found You! Neil S.
2025 -Runner up The Falkirk Wheel Ian A.

Competition Rules

1. The photo must have been taken since 31st August 2025.

2. The photo can be on any topic, taken on any camera, including phone.

3. The photo must be submitted as a print and it may be mounted on paper or card but it should not be larger than A4 overall.

4. A title may be placed on the front of photo, or on the mount.

5. The photographer’s name must be on the back of the photo or mount.

6. Only one entry per member of Wendover U3A.

7. Give hard copies to Paul M. at the August, Wendover U3A meeting, or deliver to his home by 30th August.

8. Please also email a digital copy to photocomp@wendoveru3a.org.uk by 30th August. *

9. Judging will be carried out by members at the September main meeting.

The Background

This competition has its roots in the “Enjoying Photography Group” which had previously thrived for many years under the co-convenorship of Graham Dawson and Geoff Pyke; all types of camera users were encouraged to join.

In addition to sessions on basic photographic skills, members would submit work from set projects and Group outings for peer review.

Sadly, Graham died in Autumn 2014 after a short illness, and shortly afterwards, Geoff moved to another part of the country. In memory of Graham, Geoff and his wife Jinty, jointly presented a winner’s cup to the Group for an annual photographic competition.

Finding a new Convenor proved to be a struggle, and the Group closed in February 2015. However, Belinda H. asked the former members of the Group to submit an entry for the competition, which was judged by all U3A members at the AGM of that year. The winner was presented with the cup by Geoff and Jinty who returned to Wendover for the occasion. As the competition was so well received by the wider Membership, the committee decided that, in future, it should be open to all Members.