ON Monday, October 19, Northallerton Camera Club held a slightly different judging night for the first of this season's members' competitions – the open.

As with lots of clubs and societies, the members cannot meet up in person because of the pandemic so everything is being done by email, with projected digital images only – no prints being allowed. The entry numbers were slightly down on usual numbers, as was expected, but the standard was as high as usual.

All members were sent email copies of the entries on Monday night, when they would normally be meeting, plus a short critique from the judge, NCC's own Dave Coates, along with the scores. It was not quite the same as being in the clubroom and meeting up, but that's the times we are living through.

First in the advanced class, and overall winner of the competition, was Patricia Kearton with Roseate Spoonbill, a lovely nature shot from an expert in the field. Two images tied for second place: Stormy Seas at Seaham by club chairman Paul Newey and Kingfisher Launch by John Webster, two very different subjects but both worthy of the points. In third it was success for three members; David Snowdon with Winskill Hawthorn, Gladioli by Paul Cayton (also top scorer in the intermediate category) and Cuckoo Landing – from John Webster again.

The club class winner was Amanda Wood with Raining Again, very topical this year for us damp northerners. Four members were also awarded a highly commended; Chris Morton, Pat Kearton, Trish Newey-King and Pauline Pentony.

The club thanked Dave for his expert judging and helpful comments and also the club's competition secretary, Chris Morton, aided by Pat, for the extra work he has put in to make the competition fun under trying circumstances.

The next competition will be on the subject shadows, shapes and patterns and will be judged on November 9. Full details of all competitions plus news and members' galleries can be seen at www.northallertoncameraclub.com