If you were invited to a talk given by a very successful professional Action photographer what would you expect? The Olympic Games? Rugby League? Ascot? Far from it. All these events are more than adequately covered by hundreds of photographers, some working directly for the Press; our speaker, Richard Birtles and his wife, Sharon, have found a much more individual market for their excellent photographs.

Rather than following the big circuits they set up their stall at local dog shows,
Gymkhanas and other sporting events where they take delightful action shots of the
participants from which one can order a large copy on the spot. Who could resist being able to take home on the very day a picture of one's little grandchild going over the jumps, or Dad hitting a six, or one's family pet having a wonderful time, as he
sprints through the speed trials, hair streaming behind him?

Yes, one can make a fortune from a photo of David Beckham but, given the choice, 1 know I'd rather spend my money closer to home, and I'm not alone; as a result Richard and Sharon have built up a very successful business with its own website.

Richard allowed us to examine and try out all his digital cameras and lenses, and gave us much helpful advice, both on Photography and on setting up a business, delivered throughout with his unmistakable style and humour.

Thank you Richard, come again and bring Sharon next time.

Mo Hadfield
Swavesey Camera Club

The David Hodson Memorial Trophy competition took place on the Village Green on the 19th, 20th and 23rd of August 2002.

In the first semi-final, Over defeated Willingham and in the second semi- final Swavesey defeated Cottenham by 3 -1.

In the Final, Swavesey were the victors by a 5-4 margin ensuring that Swavesey retained the Trophy.

The competition as a whole was very good with excellent contributions from all the teams. The three matches were very well supported and as a result we were able to forward a cheque to the National Asthma Campaign for £600.

On behalf of the committee, I would like thank all of our sponsors and everyone who helped and supported us in any way for making this a successful occasion.

John Hodson

During November we will have our Annual General Meeting, marking six years
since we first became a charity and a club run by a volunteer management
committee. Times were very lean to start with, and it took several years
to become comfortably established as an after school service. Being
gluttons for punishment, we then started the breakfast club, which
was a drain on resources for much longer but now runs well. We now
cater for up to 16 children for breakfast club and 32 after school,
offering what's known as a 'wrap-round' service to the community of
young families that use Swavesey Primary School and (to a lesser extent)
Village College, and provide eight part-time jobs in the village. There
has been huge community support of us throughout our existence, for
which we continue to be very grateful.

I have been involved with the club since it started and can see that
extending into the future, since my younger child is only six years old.
In the nature of a club that caters for out of school care, it is
difficult to put together a committee that is able to cover all the skills
required of us now we are regulated by government requirements
and Ofsted inspectors. For some years we have been looking into securing
support for refurbishment of the youth centre building at the Village
college but this has been on a back burner while more pressing needs
(our Ofsted inspection) need attention. If you have skills in personnel
work, project management or accountancy skills suitable for being
Treasurer and have a little time to spare, we would welcome some help. If
you have other skills you'd like to offer for club sessions - language
teaching, performance arts, science or environmental projects, for
instance, we'd be delighted to hear from you. If you'd like a part-time
job, then think of asking us if we have vacancies, since we often need
cover or regular morning or evening sessions.

Helen Varley Sargan
Acting Secretary
Swavesey Kids Club
01954 232253
hvs1001@cam.ac.uk