KEEN PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOW THE BEST OF COVENTRY, WARWICKSHIRE AND
SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE FOR THE HEART OF ENGLAND CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY’S
2010 CALENDAR

Some of Coventry, Warwickshire and south Leicestershire’s most scenic beauty spots have been caught on camera as part of a popular competition organised by the Heart of England Co-operative Society.

Hundreds of keen amateur photographers from across the Society’s trading area entered into the competition, held in conjunction with the Coventry Telegraph newspaper.

It is the third year running the Society and the Coventry Telegraph have organised the competition. It was launched in the spring of this year and over the following months more than 630 photographs were sent in to the Society.

The winning 13 entrants met with Ali Kurji, Chief Executive of the Society, who personally congratulated them on their efforts.

Neil Porter, aged 51 of Barwell, was delighted when his colourful photo of hyacinths and primulas, taken at St Nicholas Park in Warwick, was selected for the inside cover.

He said: “I have entered this competition two years running. I didn’t win anything last year. You can forward as many different entries as you like but I only put this one in so I really wasn’t expecting to win anything. I was delighted when I found out I had. I feel quite chuffed.”

January’s shot of the winding wheel at Miners Welfare Park in Bedworth was taken by Lee Millard, who lives in the town.

The 44-year-old father-of-three was walking in the park with his children when he decided to try his photographic skills. He said: “I do love photography and I read a lot of books and magazines on composition and other skills so I thought I’d give it a practice. I decided to enter into the competition but I am really surprised to have come this far.”

Retired finance manager Paul Fitzpatrick, of Kenilworth, captured the rare sight of a steam engine travelling through Canley Station in Coventry.

Paul, whose picture features on February’s page, said: “I am a very keen photographer and normally specialise in landscapes and wildlife shots. I sent my winning shot in alongside another few from Coombe Abbey and Kenilworth so I was delighted when this turned out to be the winning one. It was taken during a horrible June day this year. The weather was atrocious but I knew it was passing through so I thought I’d seize the moment to capture it.”

Simon Krakowski, a policeman, from Exhall, chose an early morning mist at Hawkesbury for his entry, which features in March. He said: “I took my picture at about 5.30am one day. It was beautiful that morning – the sun streamed through the curtains. My wife Wendy and I decided to get up early and go out for a walk. It was so sunny and there was a mist across the water. We saw kingfishers. I had to get my camera out. And now I have even more reason to be pleased I did.”

Abby Darlison, of Bedworth, captured a cute shot of two cygnets on the Black Bank Pool in Exhall. The 21-year-old, whose picture features in April, said: “I have never entered a competition before. I spotted it in the newspaper and decided to have a go. I put two entries forward but they liked this one. I’m glad I had a go now, I feel quite proud of myself and think I will have another go at other competitions.”

Paul Ward, aged 54, of Stockingford, Nuneaton, made the May page of the calendar with his shot of the Earl of Leicester’s Gatehouse at Kenilworth Castle.

Paul said: “This was the first time I had entered into a photography competition – I didn’t expect to win though. My wife thought I could do but I didn’t think so. She kept pestering me to enter it – I’m glad I did now.”

Dave Raye, aged 46 of Bedworth, describes himself as a ‘very keen photographer’ so was exceptionally delighted to discover his scenic shot on the canal at Sutton Stop was selected for June.

He said: “My friend entered into this competition last year and urged me to have a go this year, so I decided I would. I entered six shots into the competition but I have to say I did think of all of mine, the one the Society chose would be the one to win.”

Dave Marsh, aged 33, of Kenilworth, is aiming to become a professional photographer. So it was a real boost to his confidence when his picture of the Elizabethan Garden at Kenilworth was selected for July.

He said: “It’s the second time I’ve won a photography competition this year – I am so chuffed. I hope the Coventry Telegraph and the Society organise this competition again next year, I’ll definitely enter again!”

Gordon Palmer’s shot of a stag at Charlecote Park near Warwick earned him the picture of the month for August.

The 69-year-old retired NHS worker, who lives in Coventry, said: “I am delighted to have been one of the winners in this competition. My wife Jacky also entered but unfortunately didn’t win. We entered about 15 photos between us so I’m glad one of them won.”

David Dewis’s shot of horseriders riding through Bluebell Woods at Atherstone made the September page. David, who lives in Nuneaton, said: “I am happy I won as this was the only entry I put in. In actual fact I’d forgotten I’d even entered. I’d gone on holiday and while I was away my daughter sent me a text to say one of her friends had spotted my picture on the calendar. I was delighted when I found out.”

Dave Mountney, aged 59, a retired Jaguar worker, of Rugby, snapped a picture of St Peter’s Church against the backdrop of grey clouds for his entry. The picture is featured in November. Dave said: “I put four entries forward in total – of woods and canals around Rugby and Warwick areas. I was ecstatic when my picture of Dunchurch won. It’s the first time I have won a competition like this. It’s fantastic.”

Allan Palmer’s snowy scene of St Mary’s Church in Hinckley, is featured in December. He said: “It was a cold, wintry day. I put my wellies on and headed out with my camera to see what I could take a photo of. This is the only picture I entered into the competition so I’m absolutely delighted it has got this far.”

Featured for October is an autumn scene from Coombe Abbey, photographed by Shannon Anthony, who was unable to make the presentation at the Heart of England Co-operative Society.

Ali Kurji said: “This year’s competition drew more than 630 entries. Every year the standard of entries gets higher and higher and judging the winners becomes more difficult. I am delighted to announce our winning 13 photos. I am sure our 85,000 members will love these shots as much as we here at the Society do. Congratulations to all our winners on their sterling efforts.”