THE annual audio-visual competition was held at Prestwich Co-op Camera Club on Tuesday evening. There was a surprising number of ten entries - more than can ever be remembered.

First up was Jack Heathcote's "Cader Idris". He must have done the journey more than once as, on the first occasion, the top was covered in a mist and when they got there, one member of the group used his mobile phone to tell his mum: "We did it. Now what did you say we could see from here?" Then Jack showed some of the views that could be seen. This sequence was voted third.

Next was another one from Jack Heathcote, "Lake Garda". He used his camera to good effect to show many of the delights of the largest lake in Italy, from Sirmione, at the southern end, to Torbole, 33 miles away at the northern end. The hills and many of the towns and other places along the shore were all pictured.

The third showing was called "Sign Language". Brian Proctor has been collecting curious and amusing signs and this was his latest lot. There were curious names, amusing shop signs - often deliberate - and comical names in all sorts of places. Brian must have a good sense of humour and a quick eye to spot them all. This sequence was placed second.

For the first time at this club, digital projection was used to show the next three sequences. "Christmas Crackers", from Eddie Evans, was a collection of thoughts of Christmas. There was no story but Father Christmas, trees covered with lights and glittering baulbles, snow and reindeer all crossed the screen. There were children and lots of toys and dressing up. The adults had drinks and toasted one another as it ended with Cheers!

Eddie Evans also produced "D-Day" from celebrations in Bury for the 40th anniversary. Most of it was centred around the East Lancs Railway. People were dressed in clothes of the period and there were lots of army vehicles.

There was a soldier guarding the train with a Bren gun. Lots of old suitcases and other luggage was stacked on the platform. "We will remember them", it said at the end.

To end these digital efforts, Vernon Barlow showed "All Aboard" which was a record of the club outing down the Manchester Ship Canal. There were lots of familiar faces.

Number 7 was "Rhapsody in Blue" from John Thompson. He had taken George Gershwin's music and built a rhapsody in blue around it with blue skies, flowers, a rope, a door, chairs, a piece of netting, the sea all in blue and fitted to changes in the mood of the music. This sequence was voted into first place.

Number 8 was another travelogue from Jack Heathcote, this time in the area from Aberdovey to Barmouth. This included the narrow guage railway at Tal-y-llyn.

Number 9 was "My Kind of Place" from Brian Proctor. It started with "You can touch the dust but please don't write in it". Everyone who has been there knows Brian's house and that sign, and "Both of us can't look good. It is either me or the house!" at the end, said it all.

Number 10 was a short selection from John Thompson. It was called "Expressions", and showed a young baby's changing face in various moods, to the song "Jeepers Creepers" (if you remember it!.

G. E. WILSON