Banbury Rotary Club extends deadline for Young Photographer Competition

The deadline had been on February 19 but the extension now gives young photographers in the Banbury area until March 28 to submit their entries for a chance to win the local title and go forward towards the National contest. The theme this year is Wild Nature.

The coronavirus lockdowns have caused several of Rotary's activities for schools and clubs, including the Children Singing for Children and Crocus Concerts, to be cancelled. The club aims to run these events once the pandemic is under control.

Young Photographer competition coordinator Tim Bryce said: "We realise the challenges schools and clubs face and have tried to minimise the burden to that of basically registering that you will encourage youngsters to take part and support them with words of ongoing encouragement. The entries may be submitted through the schools or clubs or direct to me at 49 Spencer Court, Britannia Rd, Banbury OX16 5EZ."

The three age categories - from seven - ten years, 11 - 13 years and 14 - 17 years, cover most students of primary or secondary school age and schools can register at the club's website here.

Here there are also links to download the advertising poster, the full rules and the entry forms that individuals must submit with their photographs and explanations of how each the picture fits the theme.

For the local heat, age group winners each will receive a gift voucher of £25. The National winners will be given an opportunity to participate in working on a project with a professional photographer.

Judges will include Mr Bryce who enjoyed a lengthy career in the photographic sector and also before retiring and spent five years as a teacher of photography. Well known photographer Harry Rhodes of Tudor Photography will also assess entries.

Mr Bryce said: "For our local heat we are looking for prints. If some of our local applicants are successful then we will have to arrange for images to be available for the final National round.

"We have approached schools and young people's clubs and have asked them to encourage youngsters to apply. Several schools and clubs have registered. The decision by Banbury Rotary Club to enter this year resulted from the big challenges of the pandemic. Other youth competitions, such as the popular ,Young Chef competition have been cancelled as a result of the pandemic.

David Richardson, President of Banbury Rotary Club, said: "The Young Photographer competition is a great event that will recognise the great efforts that the participants will make and really does encourage learning and progress."