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The IAC Autumn Convention and AGM
October 17th - 20th 2002, The Bedford Moat House Hotel, St. Mary's Street,
Bedford. Special guest: Barry Norman, CBE. |
Thursday/Friday
The weekend was great fun. It started on Thursday with movies from
North Thames Region. On Friday there were outings to Shuttleworth Trust for
a Birds of Prey and Falconry demonstration or the Shuttleworth Collection
- a static exhibition of aeroplanes through the years.
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The only unfortunate incident was that as the party left the Shuttleworth
car park. Reg Townsend was moving to his seat. When the bus turned
out across the narrow road, Reg did a David Jason Fools and Horses
disappearance down the very steep, converging space at the side exit,
ending up head down, knees on chest head downwards against the door. No-one
could reach him. The bus reversed gingerly back and slowly opened the
door with spare hands to catch the victim. Reg could hardly breathe, the
way he was stuck mostly upside down. It was real miracle to see him get dodgily
to his feet with neither wrists, arms or collar bones smashed! He was OK,
a little shaken, but continued the weekend on fine form. |
At the evening workshop session on judging Reg Lancaster began by saying
he had already been doing some judging. Mystified looks. "I awarded 5.6
for technical merit, and 5.9 for artistic impression." More mystification
" I mean for Reg Townsend's backwards somersault and pike on the bus."
Laughter. Thereafter there was a lively discussion on the hot topic of how
to judge amateur movies.
Saturday
The day began with an outing to the magnificent Woburn Abbey. Later came
the traditional reception and dinner.
North Thames Region had decorated the banqueting room with balloons marking
the 70th anniversary of the IAC. A guest of honour was Reg Combes,
who for many years had been the IAC book keeper. He retired at the beginning
of the year and President, Val Ellis, paid tribute to all he had done for
the Institute. Val also congratulated Newcastle Amateur Cine Association
on reaching its 75th anniversary. |
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An IAC Fellowship was bestowed upon John Morin, whose many
contributions to the IAC include giving talks and advice on lighting. John
also prints several Regional newsletters. |
Sunday
The Mermaid Competition, in which IAC Regions compete with movies which,
by tradition, are light-hearted was won by North Thames Region. Followed
by the Mini-Mermaid Trophy, for movies under 60 seconds long, won by East
Anglia Region.
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Then the IAC Annual General Meeting followed. The reports and accounts
were received and several items discussed in the "Members Voices" section.
Though members elect the Council, Council appoints its own officers.
Reg Lancaster took over Chairmanship from Kenneth Seeger, while
John Gibbs stepped into Reg's old shoes as Vice-Chairman. Other
offices are decided at the November Council meeting. |
And Why Not?
 In the afternoon a familiar theme tune played before film critic,
journalist and television presenter, Barry Norman, CBE was interviewed by
Kenneth Seeger with questions from the audience. Despite suffering
a cold, Mr. Norman's session was described by one delegate as "terrific,
a funny interesting and brilliant 100 minutes worth", by another as "just
wonderful!"
Well done to North Thames Region for hosting another first class event ...
it deserved a better attendance ... and those who were not there missed
a treat!
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