Winners announced for photography competition launched in memory of first Banbury Guardian photographer

Photo taken by John Huntbach, of Mollington, which won him first place in the 'Peter Buckland Photography Competition.'

The results are in and the judge's panel have chosen the prize winners in the inaugural 'Peter Buckland Photography Competition.'

An excellent selection of photos were received from the local camera enthusiasts, which made it a very difficult task to pick the top snaps but the quality and standard shone through on the winning selections. The competition was held in the run-up to Christmas.

In first place was John Huntbach, of Mollington, who won £100 and a trophy. The first place photo depicted an owl perching from a brick wall.

Pictured: Peter Buckland, the Banbury Guardian's first photographer. (photo contributed by the family)

The runner up was Richard Beghin, of Cropredy, who won £50 and a trophy. The winning photo for runner-up showed a colourful landscape scene of a local area canal.

The competition was launched in memory of Peter Buckland, the Banbury Guardian's first photographer.

Peter started work as the photographer for the Banbury Guardian in the early 1950s using a dark room at the paper's officers in Parsons Street to develop the photographs for the latest edition of the newspaper.

The Buckland family would like to thank all those who took part and hoped that it gave lighter moments and added interest in these challenging times.

Photo taken by Richard Beghin, who was the runner-up in the 'Peter Buckland Photography Competition.'

Pete’s eldest daughter Julie Buckland said: "Our dad would have really enjoyed perusing the entries and giving his opinion on the wide selection of topics, he always liked a good debate."

This memorial to 'the Banbury Guardian’s first ever photographer' will hopefully now bring interest and enjoyment to the area's photographic enthusiasts in the future and the launch of the 2021 competition will be highlighted in the coming months.

Relative and local business owner, Ronnie Johnson, added: "What a better memorial to the Banbury Guardian’s first ever photographer than an annual photography competition, allowing the Banbury locality to show their own skills and ability in the world of photography, with opportunities during the lockdown period around the home and garden or during an autumn walk or outdoor exercise.

"With these difficult times a nicely captured photo can tell many a story and lift the spirit during these challenging times.

"Without doubt, with his death seven years ago Banbury lost a renowned photographer and a true character whose skill and passion for photography will be remembered with this newly created annual competition backed by his family of eight children."