We took on the role of Area Photographers 10 years ago from our predecessors John & Sylvia Stevenson at the Sapphire Anniversary lunch and AGM at St Mellion in November 2010. John having had to give up the post due to ill health had given Mike a crash course at the Falmouth Area show earlier in the year and although competent with the photography Mike had a lot to learnt about NAFAS and in particular the NAFAS ladies!

 

We survived our first event at St Mellion where Mike won ‘Judges Choice’ in the photographic competition and thanks to the warm welcome and encouragement we received from the past Chairman Sheila Hadlow, new Chairman Vivienne Thompson and the then President Vee Ackland we began to learn the ropes.

 

Soon after our induction in 2010 we learnt that the National Show was to be held in Torquay in 2011 and we were to assist the National Photographic representatives. Another baptism of fire with 400 DVDs needing to be produced and available for sale by midday of the opening day of the show,   a very long night!

 

Over the years we have settled into the role, hopefully improving and expanding it. Each year we have visited the 2 County shows (Devon & Cornwall) plus the Cornwall Garden Society show along with all the Area shows and events. We photograph all the exhibits with photo books now being produced and proving more popular than DVDs. More recently Mike has been successful in getting several images into the national Flower Arranger magazine helping to get the talent in our area more widely appreciated.

 

We run an Area Photographic Competition annually for members of the Devon & Cornwall area, details of which can be found on the website.

 

If you have any club events that you would like us to attend and photographically record please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Mike & Lesley Bond

Email: mikebond42@gmail.com