Mullion Women's Institute
12:29pm Tuesday 12th June 2012 in Mullion
President Val Stephens welcomed new member, Mary Ellis. Val gave an update on events in the last month: Many villagers joined in the WI quiz held on May 30. Members joined the Mullion Diamond Jubilee Parade to the Park on June 3. Catherine Barnes carried the banner, supported by Kath Donald, Ann Symons, Barbara Stone and Val Stephens. The Jubilee Coffee morning on June 1 was well supported. Jonathan Kitto, won the competition for creation of a crown (u16). The over 16 year’s winner was Barry Hunt. Donations to ShelterBox have now been distributed, one box each to The Congo and Madagascar.
Andrew Besley was this month’s speaker on ‘Confessions of a Press Photographer’. His nickname is ‘Preacher Paparazzi’.
Andrew’s enthusiasm and love of his job was clear from the tales he told. He began his working life as a shipwright and was the youngest apprentice to work on the Mayflower 2, which is now in Boston. He bought a camera and his interest in photography led to a change in direction. He wanted to work as press photographer and was fortunate to be accepted and trained by the Press Association.
His work took him around the UK but for the last 40 years he has taken photographs of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. He enjoys photographing the elderly, particularly the over 80s, because of their sense of humour! He has photographed several members of the Royal Family including the Queen and the late Queen Mother, both of whom he found had a wonderful sense of humour.
Early in his career when covering a football match at Highbury, he overheard a conversation about the whereabouts of the Kray twins. Alone with his camera he went to their flat. A huge man opened the door, who upon seeing the camera booted him out, throwing his precious camera after him. He learned later of the danger he had faced. However, his colleagues thanked him for having discovered the Kray’s address.
Andrew has witnessed tragedies, including the ‘Fastness’ and the ‘Penlee’ Disasters.
Press photographers try all they can to get an exclusive picture and Andrew was no exception. He has one regret, in Aberfan, two weeks after the disaster, he took a photograph of a bereaved family carrying the body of a young child. He was saddened when he saw the picture published. He believes the press should be less intrusive.
Now retired, his enthusiasm has not diminished and he remains a talented speaker.
Competion for the funniest or most dramatic photograph: 1, Catherine Barnes; 2, Carole Shaw; 3, Margaret Evans. Catherine also won flower of the month.
The next luncheon club is on June 28 at Housel Bay, and next walk of the Rambler’s club will be on June 30.
