The 2011 Barrian Cup took place on Saturday 4th June at Barry’s usual venue of the St Francis Millenium Hall, Barry. Opened by councillor John Clifford, Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, the event was judged with effortless expertise by the popular Leo Rich ARPS DPAGB APAGB EFIAP. In a very close run competition the final result wasn’t known until the last photograph was out of the box….
The judge awarded a full range of marks and provided a positive and constructive critique for every single image. His amusing comments and anecdotes were also much enjoyed by the audience of well over 100 people, there being standing room only. Leo awarded the top mark of 20 only twice for Fighting to Win (Neath) and Steady Horse Guard on Parade (Marthyr Tydfil) although there were numerous ’19s’.
The tension lasted until the very last photograph out of the box, aptly entitled ‘Putting the World To Rights’, which yielded the 18 points that Inn Focus Group needed to seal their one point victory over Port Talbot.
Adding to a very good day for the Brynmawr club, the winner of the Dave Cowdrey Trophy for Best Individual Landscape or Seascape was Darren Williams of Inn Focus Group for his photograph entitled ‘Elgol (19 points)’.
With 100 points being the maximum possible, 11 of the 25 competing clubs broke the 80 point barrier illustrating the quality of work on display. The ‘plus 80’ clubs were: Inn Focus Group (89); Port Talbot (88); Tenby (86); Merthyy Tydfil & Gwynfa (both 85); Neath & Ebbw Vale (both 83); Western Valley (82); Hanham (81) and Vale & Cymru Monochrome (both 80).
As ever the competiton was very well organised and the audience appreciated the opportunity to be able see all the photographs on proper display boards at the conclusion of the event. An excellent buffet was also provided and thanks must go to Steve Durbin and his team for all their hard work in laying on this popular and prestigious event. Thanks also to Martyn Pinches for providing the public address system.