Jubilee Photo Competition.In an invitation posted on the web a couple of years ago calling on Macphersons the world-over to gather in Badenoch and celebrate our 60th Annual Gathering I noted, “Members attending the Gathering should be in no doubt that the Jubilee is not a spectacle to observe, rather it is one in which to participate, share and experience all that is on offer.” I have no doubt that the photographs entered into this Jubile photo competition will provide ample proof that few, if any of the 350 who attended the Really Big Dhubh were observers - from the first event to the last, everything reeled and surged onwards at a most spirited pace. Friendships were forged, the bonds of kinship entrenched. Our Jubilee celebrations became the focus of one of the most colourful and friendly Gatherings in recent years and thanks must be extended to all those who made it to Badenoch (and back home again), and to the many involved in the organisation and execution of the Really Big Dhubh. We will look forward to seeing you again in Scotland soon, and to hear of you spreading amongst your own kith and kin the infectious spirit of enthusiasm conceived in Scotland this year.
Bruce J S Macpherson
First, a big "Thank You" to all 22 entrants for submitting the 128 photos in competition. Your generosity and enthusiasm helped to share this historic gathering with cousins around the world and spread the magic of the Diamond Jubilee amongst those who will discover the Clan Macpherson Association in the months and years to come. You have also laid the foundation for the CMA Photo Bank -- a collection of photographs and graphics to be used in future Clan publications and on the web. Rest assured -- when we do use your photographs, you will be given due credit as the photographer. Second, a "Thank You" must go to our own James T. Parsons who served as the judge of the Jubilee Photo Competition. Jamie is a professional freelance writer in Bristow, Virginia and has prior experience adjudicating photo competitions. In addition, he neither attended the Jubilee nor knew any of the entrants thus making a throughly impartial judge. Nonetheless, adjudicating the Jubilee photo competition was no easy task and Jamie did not make his final selections until early January. Finally, a "Thank You" to all who took the time to participate in the "Cousins' Choice" poll. Allowing the members of Clan Macpherson to choose a favourite photo added a dash of fun and excitement to the competition. I have enjoyed administering the Jubilee Photo Competition and all the comments that came in from the start of December were an additional treat. The Competition WinnersOur judge determined that there were five distinct categories of photos in the competition:
Each category has a Winner as well as an Honourable Mention. In addition, there is a Best in Show as well as the Cousins' Choice. The winner of each category will recieve a copy of Sandra Macpherson's new book, People of the Wildcat Country, or an item of similar value if they already have a copy. The Best In Show and Cousins' Choice winners will recieve a trophy in recognition of their achievement. Since this is an international competition and this is not the only item on the administrator's plate, please keep in mind that it may be a while before the prizes reach our winners. Click on the links below to find out who won! The Competition GalleryNow that the competition is over, I will begin to arrange the photos in permanent galleries by Jubilee event. In addition, there will some of my own photographs as well as ones sent in for purposes other than the competition. Until then, the Competition Gallery will remain online and available for those who wish to browse. Gallery Index
For further information, contact the competition administrator at htp@parsonage.net.
Howard T. Parsons |
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