Vic Hainsworth ARPS DPAGB APAGB

Our President, Vic Hainsworth was recently awarded the PAGB distinction of APAGB. The letters signify ‘Award for Meritorious Service’ and are in recognition of services over many years within the PAGB community of member Federations and affiliated Clubs. The presentation of Vic’s Certificate and badge was made by the current EAF President, Colin Birch, at a meeting of Colchester PS on 4th January.

Vic’s service to photography lies in three main areas – to his club, Colchester; to judging at clubs throughout the EAF and beyond, and in his service to the EAF and PAGB, mainly through his enthusiastic promotion of the APM (Awards for Photographic Merit) scheme.

Colchester P.S

Vic joined Colchester P.S (then known as Colchester & District Camera Club) in 1973, some 48 years ago. He soon found himself on the committee, taking on the office of Assistant Secretary in 1975 followed by Vice Chairman in 1977, which post he held for three years. His first spell as President was for two years in 1981, followed by further spells in the 1980/90’s and then again from 2010 until the present day. In between his times as President, he was active in other areas, including being the Chairman of the AV Group, which held public shows from 1975-1985; organizing the Colchester AV competition, which ran for ten years and was an open competition held at Stanway Village Hall. He was also the External Competition Secretary from 2004-2019, which ran concurrently with his Presidency for much of that time.

In the early/mid 2000’s, the Society went through a bad spell with a much lower membership than that of today and it was through Vic’s commitment and determination, helped by a few other dedicated members, that it survived. Since then, the Society has gone from strength to strength and it is now one of the largest clubs in the EAF, with a membership capped, for operational reasons, at 100.

EAF Judging

Vic has been involved with judging at Clubs since 2000/01, and his over 20 years of service as a premier judge has been of huge benefit to Clubs in the EAF and their members.

PAGB Awards for Photographic Merit (CPAGB, DPAGB, MPAGB)

Vic has always been a keen supporter of EAF events and at the instigation of Naomi Saul, he was elected to the EAF Committee as the EAF PAGB Awards Secretary in 2013. He has undertaken that role with immense enthusiasm and has encouraged numerous applicants from members of EAF clubs, including several from C.P.S, a large proportion of which have been successful This he has achieved by arranging regular assessment meetings, where those interested in applying for the distinctions were able submit work for review and guidance by experienced members from EAF clubs.

In summary, Vic has been a tireless and selfless member of Colchester PS and the EAF and the PAGB over many years. He is now the President-elect of the EAF and he will become its President at the AGM in February. He is also an ARPS and DPAGB.

Congratulations from everyone at C.P.S for this richly deserved award Vic!