THE last of the Prestwich Co-op Camera Club assignments for 2004 was held on Tuesday and, in honour of the occasion, there was an outside judge in the shape of Norman Thompson (BIPP) from Bury.

In the 20 slides there was quite a variety; a few landscapes, some architecture, statues, a couple of patterns and various oddments. Norman commented on each, outlining the better points and suggesting improvements where he thought it necessary.

Brian Proctor took two second place marks with "The Manchester Eye", which he also showed partly reflected in the glass wall of a building, and Statue of James Watt.

Eddie Evans took first place with an excellent view of Monuments and the Liver Building.

According to the judge, the 23 prints were of a higher standard than the slides. There was, again, a wide variety of subjects, including six portraits, all of them ladies in spite of one being called Joe!

Norman gave two the same mark for second place again. One was from Phil Cohen called "Star Gazing". This showed the top half of a model gazing skywards, unconcerned about her state of undress. The other was from Vernon Barlow, called "Swallow". We saw a swallow's nest and chick and the swallow just leaving it.

For first place Norman chose an excellent record shot of "A Traction Engine Wheel Hub" from Allan Hardman. This was sharp in every detail and made a very good pattern picture as well with the radiating spokes and oval hub.

Norman Thompson did a very good job and he was congratulated. In turn, he said that he was only too pleased to see our prints and slides.

The results of this competition affected the final members totals over the year. It put Eddie Evans in first place with the slides and Allan Hardman in first place for prints.

At the last meeting before Christmas on Tuesday, there will be a Multi-Club Slide Battle. Five clubs, including our own, should be involved. You are all invited to come along. There has been no blood spilled at these battles - so far!Come to the side door of the Bridge Methodist Hall, behind Radcliffe Library, between 7.30 and 8pm.

G. E. WILSON