Snaps uncover town’s jewels in calendar competition

In a bid to challenge Hemel Hempstead’s infamous ‘ugliest town’ moniker, the Box Moor Trust has called on budding snappers to share the shots which best capture the town’s beauty.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Oct 2014, 17:15 BST
Chris Ward's photograph of Bulbourne Meadow won first prize in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competitionChris Ward's photograph of Bulbourne Meadow won first prize in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competition
Chris Ward's photograph of Bulbourne Meadow won first prize in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competition

The competition to find images for the Trust’s 2015 calendar saw more than 100 photographs being entered, each reflecting the theme ‘The jewel in Hemel’s crown’.

Award-winning professional photographer and international judge Hossain Mahdavi, of Abbots Langley-based studio Hoss Photography, judged the competition.

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He found his winner in Chris Ward of Green End Gardens, who submitted an atmospheric shot of a misty Bulbourne Meadow.

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Mark Spokes' photograph of Harding's Moor won second prize in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competition PNL-140610-155506001Mark Spokes' photograph of Harding's Moor won second prize in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competition PNL-140610-155506001
Mark Spokes' photograph of Harding's Moor won second prize in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competition PNL-140610-155506001

Hossain said: “The image, quite apart from fitting the theme, is subtle and depicts the area in a beautiful way.

“It is a view that will be appreciated by those who know the area, yet it is also a fine art image that would please any viewer.

“When your eyes discover the geese the scene comes alive, but the mist adds to the mystery of beyond.

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“The subtle colour gives the picture a pleasing mood, and the reflected sun on the river lends a golden colour to a golden moment.”

Dan Forders photograph juvenile mistle thrush on horse chestnut won third place in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competitionDan Forders photograph juvenile mistle thrush on horse chestnut won third place in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competition
Dan Forders photograph juvenile mistle thrush on horse chestnut won third place in the Box Moor Trust's 2015 calendar competition

Second prize went to Mark Spokes of Stuarts Close, who used a long exposure to accentuate the impact of a dramatic sky over Harding’s Moor, while Dan Forder of Valley Green’s beautiful image of a juvenile mistle thrush on horse chestnut earned him third place.

Copies of the calendar, priced at £5, will be on sale at the Wood, Wool & Food Festival on Saturday, October 18 and the Conker Festival the very next day, both on Blackbirds Moor opposite St John’s Church.

They will also be available to buy from the Box Moor Trust Centre on London Road, with a £1 charge for sending by post.

Related topics:Hemel Hempstead