Talented photographers are invited to celebrate ‘the Venice of the Midlands’ in memory of a larger-than-life waterway trader.
THE Ray Jordan Memorial Photo Challenge is part of the Tipton Canal and Community Festival, being held on September 21-22, and promises a raft of great prizes for the winners.
The competition is free to enter now at www.tiptonfestival.co.uk and there is just one rule – the theme of ‘Tipton’s Canals’ can be interpreted in any way, but the images must be about aspects of the waterway.
It is being run by Kev Maslin, of Great Bridge, the festival’s organiser and himself a waterway photographer of many years’ standing.
“I’ve taken thousands of photographs around Tipton’s canals and it’s a highly photogenic place,” he said. “You may wish to include canal features, boats, and even people as part of your compositions, but the judges will be looking for pictures which are truly representative of the area.“And don’t think you have to be an experienced photographer or own the latest equipment to take part. Having an eye for a picture is what really counts, and many similar contests have been won with images taken on mobile devices or pocket cameras.”
The challenge is a tribute to former canal trader Ray Jordan, a well-known character who was always a big part of the festival. His wife, Lesley, has agreed to present the winners with their prizes during the event.
Top judges
“There is a Big Kids category (aged 16 and over) and a Young Adults category (aged 15 and under),” said Kev. “We are thrilled that top waterway photographers Derek Pratt and Stuart France have agreed to be our judges.
“Our sponsors have been very generous. The top prize is a week’s luxury narrowboat holiday donated by Black Prince Holidays of Bromsgrove, a company that really does set the standard when it comes to holiday boat hire.”
Other prizes include a day-long self-drive boat trip along the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal, provided by Norbury Wharf Limited, and the chance to get 25 high-quality calendars printed from your own images, courtesy of Staffordshire-based printer The Calendar Company. A third category will be an open contest and the winner will be decided by public vote. The closing date is August 31.
The festival dates back to the mid-2000s, and it is the first year that Kev has taken on the mantle of organiser. He said: “The festival itself should provide quite a carnival atmosphere and a real spectacle with historic, trade and private boats moored all the way from Malthouse to Tipton Green.
“Back in commercial carrying days, Tipton had no less than 13 miles of navigable canals within its small area and became known as ‘the Venice of the Midlands’.”
Visit www.tiptonfestival.co.uk for more information.
