Open Door 'honoured' to host Rotary Club's Young Photographer Exhibition in Berkhamsted

Open Door in Berkhamsted is 'honoured' to host the exhibition for the winners of Berkhamsted Rotary Club's Young Photographer Competition.

Last year, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Berkhamsted Rotary Club decided to join Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland photography competition, to inspire youngsters in Dacorum.

Due to the public health measures in place, Berkhamsted Rotary had to quickly devise an online version of the competition that would allow youngsters to enter their work in a completely safe way. The use of digital cameras and smartphones made this possible when coupled with online entry and upload processes.

The theme of the competition was ‘Wild Nature’.

Now, the entries judged the best within the age ranges of seven to 10, 11 to 13 and 14 to 17, together with nine other commended entries, can be seen every day at Open Door until Saturday, May 29.

Some of those entries went on to District (Herts, Beds and Bucks) finals and one entry has been submitted to National Finals.

It was the first time Rotary had held the event. President of Berkhamsted Rotary, Derek Simpson said: "Being able to hold this event proves it has interest and value and it’s been a great success with some fantastic images.

“We’re grateful to Open Door for allowing us this facility, families are here, the mayor is here so I think it’s been a worthwhile effort with a fantastic outcome.”

Anna Pryke, winner in the seven to 10 category, and a finalist in the District competition, said: “It was great to be in the submissions, let alone winning it, that was amazing!

"It has given me great confidence in my photography abilities.”

Tamsin Hall, a winner in the 11 to 13 category and in the District, said: “It was very exciting to win as it was so unexpected and I want to try more and do well next year as well.”

Joan Fisher, co-founder and general manager of Open Door, said: "We were very honoured to host the Rotary club competition winners and delighted to see so much talent amongst our Berkhamsted youngsters!"

If you would like to take part in next year's competition visit the Berkhamsted Rotary website.