The August newsletter finds regional Victoria facing another period of stage 3 restrictions and a difficult and challenging time across the state. We hope that members are keeping safe and well and are finding ways to take photos and develop skills and knowledge. The committee has considered what this extended period of restrictions means for the club and in this newsletter we will convey some plans for increased opportunities to connect with the club and other members, and also talk about events that sadly will not go ahead for 2020.
Important upcoming dates
On Tuesday August 11 we have our next digital judging night. The set subject is “Morning Light” We will meet via Zoom. Graeme has sent out the Zoom link and invitation.
The entries for the October digital judging night are due on September 8. The set subject is “Single Tree”. Again a Zoom link will be sent out.
Club activities
Due to the pandemic we haven’t as a club had the opportunity to come together for activity nights, excursions and other events. The committee is going to introduce another opportunity for members to connect on the 3rd Tuesday of the month after the judging nights. We will set up a Zoom meeting and invite members whose photos have won or attracted a placing, in each of the categories, to talk about their photos. We invite the winners who wish to present, to consider the following questions:
Why did you take the photo? What inspired you? Did you face any technical challenges? How did you overcome them?
You might also want to consider the judges feedback and make changes to your photo accordingly and share the “before” and “after” versions on Zoom (if you need help to navigate this function we can provide that).
We will ask members to limit their “presentation” to about 5 minutes each to ensure that all winners have the opportunity. This is of course an invitation only, we understand that not winners will choose to take this up.
Many members have been connecting to the Zoom meetings. If any members wish to do so but haven’t yet due to technical challenges, please let a committee member know and we will endeavour to support your participation. You will obviously need a connection to the internet in some way, even via a phone.
Syllabus update
The committee reviewed the syllabus for the coming months, in light of the impact of Covid-19. With stage 3 restrictions in place and the expectation that some restrictions will remain for the coming months, we unfortunately decided to cancel the club dinner which was to be held in September and the weekend away which was to occur in October. It was agreed that whilst we hope that the pandemic situation will have changed, it is likely that remaining restrictions would prohibit those gatherings and events.
Mentor program
The club has in place a mentor program that links members with particular knowledge or expertise with members who want to increase their skills or knowledge in that area, or sort through a particular question or problem. You can reach out to members via the Friends of BCC Facebook page or by emailing Graeme if you are not on Facebook. Simply post your question and await responses from members who are in a position to provide a response. We will redistribute the mentor list by email. This is a great time to learn new skills and what better way than reaching out to those who are experienced and confident and want to share their knowledge.
We look forward to seeing members in just a couple of days at the August judging night. Until then, keep warm and well and a reminder that our current challenge on Cluster is winter – very appropriate for this weekend.
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