The 2026 North Cheshire Challenge was held on Saturday 13th June, judged by Jeremy Malley-Smith (LRPS, EFIAP, DPAGB, BPE3*). The format is a knock-out club competition, with each club entering 5 images. In a knock-out there are a series of rounds, and at each round about 50% of the remaining images are eliminated. After 5 rounds, with only a handful remaining, the judge then chooses an overall winner.  Scores are awarded based on the round at which an image is knocked out, and the club with the highest total score wins.

There were 120 images entered from 24 clubs. LSAPS scored 18 points and came a very commendable 3rd place – a significant improvement on the previous two years. The competition was won by Southport who tied with South Manchester on 21 pts, but Southport won by virtue of having the overall winning image by Katherine Scorah.

Pass With Care! by Mike Williamson

2026 North Cheshire Challenge Images

Fading Floral Dance by Carol Watson - Score: 5 pts

Pass With Care! by Mike Williamson - Score: 5 pts

Distracted by Esther Parkinson - Score: 4 pts

Avocets by Anthony Hull - Score: 2 pts

The Artist by Gordon Watson - Score: 2 pts

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The inter-Club competition against Dublin CC was held on Tuesday 19th May on Zoom, this year hosted by Dublin. The format involved 30 images from each club, all by different members in an open competition. The judge for the competition was Judged by Dominic Reddin FIPF. Unfortunately it was a slightly disappointing night for LSAPS as Dublin ended up as clear winners with a score of  543pts against LSAPS score of 504pts.

LSAPS Images and scores are shown below. Congratulations to Gordon Watson, who’s Eyes To Heaven was the only LSAPS image to score 19pts.

Eyes To Heaven by Gordon Watson

2026 Dublin Battle Images

Eyes To Heaven by Gordon Watson - Score: 19 pts

Avocets by Anthony Hull - Score: 18 pts

Liverpool Cathedral by Carol Watson - Score: 18 pts

Mclaren 720s by Mike Halstead - Score: 18 pts

The Bowler by Peter Darby - Score: 18 pts

Where Shadows Rest by Elaine Cook - Score: 18 pts

Autumn Light - Buttermere by Martin Christensen - Score: 17 pts

Barley Stalk by Keith Orr - Score: 17 pts

French Angelfish by Graham Barker - Score: 17 pts

If Walls Could Talk by Andy Ogilvie - Score: 17 pts

Into The Abyss by Esther Parkinson - Score: 17 pts

Just Before Impact by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 17 pts

Karlovo Namesti Station by Christine Round - Score: 17 pts

Northern Gannet by Chris Taylor - Score: 17 pts

Persons Of Interest by Peter Cotton - Score: 17 pts

Rattray Lighthouse, Aberdeenshire by Mike Williamson - Score: 17 pts

Seedheads by Joy Swarbrick - Score: 17 pts

Waiting For Autumn by Karen Morris - Score: 17 pts

Acute Angle by Dave Biggs - Score: 16 pts

Bee Eaters Roosting At Sunset by Mary Kirkby - Score: 16 pts

Black Headed Gull Diving by Alex Early - Score: 16 pts

Car Doors by Janet Parker - Score: 16 pts

Cosmos Coronet by Peter Flegg - Score: 16 pts

Growing In The Shadow Of Giants by Simon Ray - Score: 16 pts

I Missed You by Karen Jackman - Score: 16 pts

Jubilee Quay Wrecks by Ian Mulroy - Score: 16 pts

Post-coffe Photography Scramble by Stuart Cahill - Score: 16 pts

Reflections Of A Cornish Beach by Margaret Keane - Score: 16 pts

We Are Ready To Go by Allan Lonsdale - Score: 16 pts

Ghost Leaf Mimic Mantis by Sheila Giles - Score: 15 pts

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Fading Floral Dance by Carol Watson

LSAPS Print Scores

LSAPS Print Images

Fading Floral Dance by Carol Watson - Score: 15 pts

Seedheads by Joy Swarbrick - Score: 14 pts

Heart Of The Gurdwara Kitchen by Elaine Cook - Score: 13 pts

Close Finish by Brian Clark - Score: 12 pts

Eagle Festival Parade by Mary Kirkby - Score: 12 pts

Liverpool Cathedral by Carol Watson - Score: 12 pts

Melian by Gordon Watson - Score: 11 pts

Someone Approaching by Mike Williamson - Score: 11 pts

Dried Grasses On Display by Carol Watson - Score: 14 pts

Where Shadows Rest by Elaine Cook - Score: 14 pts

Battle Weary by Carol Watson - Score: 13 pts

Gulls On Bow Fiddle Rock by Mike Williamson - Score: 12 pts

Ready For The Bell by Gordon Watson - Score: 12 pts

Still Standing by Keith Orr - Score: 12 pts

The Blind Man by Mary Kirkby - Score: 12 pts

Where's That Bus by Sheila Giles - Score: 11 pts

Blue Tailed Damselfly by Carol Watson - Score: 14 pts

Mating Blue Tailed Damselflies by Gordon Watson - Score: 14 pts

Scaly Breasted Munia - Bangkok by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 13 pts

Sparrow Hawk by Chris Taylor - Score: 13 pts

Black Tailed Godwit by Anthony Hull - Score: 12 pts

Elephants In Mud Glorious Mud by Mary Kirkby - Score: 12 pts

French Angelfish by Graham Barker - Score: 12 pts

Kestrel With Mouse by Peter Darby - Score: 12 pts

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LSAPS PDI Scores

LSAPS PDI Images

Rattray Head Lighthouse by Mike Williamson - Score: 14 pts

Icelandic Horses by Carol Watson - Score: 13 pts

Men In Black by Carol Watson - Score: 13 pts

Bilbao Guggenheim Museum by Gordon Watson - Score: 12 pts

Corridors Of Colour by Peter Cotton - Score: 12 pts

Dreaming by Carol Watson - Score: 12 pts

Grandstand Finish by Brian Clark - Score: 12 pts

Old Groynes by Keith Orr - Score: 12 pts

The Artist by Gordon Watson - Score: 12 pts

Clockwork Orange by Elaine Cook - Score: 11 pts

Contemplation by Mike Williamson - Score: 11 pts

Eyes To Heaven by Gordon Watson - Score: 11 pts

Into The Abyss by Esther Parkinson - Score: 11 pts

Lake Inle by Mary Kirkby - Score: 11 pts

Muscari by Joy Swarbrick - Score: 10 pts

We Don't Talk Anymore by Andy Ogilvie - Score: 9 pts

Avocets by Anthony Hull - Score: 13 pts

Galapagos Sea Lion With Newborn by Mary Kirkby - Score: 12 pts

Just Before Impact by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 12 pts

Mating Gannets by Gordon Watson - Score: 12 pts

Yellow Tube Sponge With Large Brain Coral by Graham Barker - Score: 12 pts

European Shag With Chick by Mary Kirkby - Score: 11 pts

Great Crested Grebe Carrying Chicks by Mike Williamson - Score: 11 pts

Meadow Pipit With Lunch by Mike Williamson - Score: 11 pts

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The annual L&CPU Knock-Out competition was held on 15th November at St Mary’s Parish Centre in Chorley, judged by Rod Wheelan. Each club entered 8 images, however as 34 clubs took part, the number of images entered into the judging was reduced to just 5 images per club, giving 170 images to be judged. A lot of very fine images were knocked out in the first round, then the remaining images whittled down in subsequent rounds until only 7 remained, at which point Rod chose his favourite. The club scores resulted in a tie, so the 8th tie break images were compared, resulting in Daisy Nook on 17pts narrowly edging out Southport on 16pts. The winning image was Reflections Of The Past by Colin Halliday from Beacon Club.

Unfortunately, three LSAPS images went out in the first round and we finished in 12th place on a score of 11pts as  Congratulations to Graham Barker whose Brain Coral With Yellow Tube Sponge reached the 5th round. LSAPS results and images are shown below.

Yellow Tube Sponge With Large Brain Coral by Graham Barker

2025 L&CPU Knock-Out Images

Yellow Tube Sponge With Large Brain Coral by Graham Barker - Score: 5 pts

Mating Blue Tailed Damselflies by Gordon Watson - Score: 3 pts

Fading Floral Dance by Carol Watson - Score: 1 pts

Heart Of The Gurdwara Kitchen by Elaine Cook - Score: 1 pts

Lake Inle by Mary Kirkby - Score: 1 pts

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The L&CPU Bob Robinson Trophy took place on Saturdey 15th November. This competition is designed to promote competitions and distinctions to club members who generally do not participate in competitions and who do not hold any qualifications or accreditations (e.g. LRPS, CPAGB or BPE Crowns).  This year the format of the competition was in the form of a print competition with up to 20 entries per club, which was scored by three judges each scoring out of 5 (so a maximum score of 15 available for each print). The club ranking was then calculated by adding the top 10 results. There were a large number of 12s and 13s, but unfortunately none of the LSAPS entries managed to score higher.  

There were 17 clubs competing and the competition was won by Poulton-Le-Fylde on 140pts, whilst LSAPS came 8th on 129pts. LSAPS results and images are shown below. 

Banded Demoiselle by Margaret Keane

2025 Bob Robinson Trophy Gallery

Banded Demoiselle by Margaret Keane - Score: 13 pts

Black Headed Gull Diving by Alex Early - Score: 13 pts

Daisy Drops by Peter Flegg - Score: 13 pts

Norwegian Blue Arctic Fox by Margaret Keane - Score: 13 pts

Push Off by Dave Biggs - Score: 13 pts

Red Panda by Peter Darby - Score: 13 pts

Times Square by Peter Flegg - Score: 13 pts

Wave Carved Sandstone by Christine Round - Score: 13 pts

We Don't Talk Anymore by Andy Ogilvie - Score: 13 pts

Antisocial by Janet Parker - Score: 12 pts

Ashton Memorial by Mike Halstead - Score: 12 pts

Church Arches by Christine Round - Score: 12 pts

Safely Home by Peter Cotton - Score: 12 pts

Sizewell Cooling Towers by Keith Orr - Score: 12 pts

The Last Of The Light by Margaret Keane - Score: 12 pts

Busking by Andy Ogilvie - Score: 11 pts

Sizergh Castle by John Scott - Score: 10 pts

Urban Mirage by Esther Parkinson - Score: 10 pts

Ynys Llanddwyn by Alex Early - Score: 10 pts

Spurn Point Groynes by Keith Orr - Score: 9 pts

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The 2025 4-Way Battle was held on Thursday 12th November, hosted by Garstang and judged by Alan Walker (ARPS, MPAGB, MPSA, EFIAP) from Keswick PS. There were 80 images on the night which Alan judged at a steady pace with some useful comments. At the half-way point, LSAPS were lying in second place, but were unfortunately pipped into third place by the end.

The competition was won by Poulton with 369pts, followed by North Fylde on 349pts narrowly beating LSAPS on 347pts, with Garstang on 335pts.

Over The Top by Brian Clark

2025 4-Way Battle Battle Images

Over The Top by Brian Clark - Score: 19 pts

Skagsanden Aurora by Carol Watson - Score: 19 pts

As Soft As Silk by Gordon Watson - Score: 18 pts

Avocets by Anthony Hull - Score: 18 pts

Corridors Of Colour by Peter Cotton - Score: 18 pts

Just Before Impact by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 18 pts

Lagangarbh Cottage by Gordon Watson - Score: 18 pts

Old Groynes by Keith Orr - Score: 18 pts

Rattray Head Lighthouse by Mike Williamson - Score: 18 pts

Sparrow Hawk by Chris Taylor - Score: 18 pts

Forties Smile by Stuart Cahill - Score: 17 pts

Heart Of The Gurdwara Kitchen by Elaine Cook - Score: 17 pts

Icelandic Horses by Carol Watson - Score: 17 pts

Muscari by Joy Swarbrick - Score: 17 pts

Redshank Warning Call by Mike Williamson - Score: 17 pts

Where's That Bus by Sheila Giles - Score: 17 pts

One Sassy Miss by Mary Kirkby - Score: 16 pts

Sweet Pea by Margaret Keane - Score: 16 pts

Yellow Tube Sponge With Large Brain Coral by Graham Barker - Score: 16 pts

A Quiet Moment by Daryl Giles - Score: 15 pts

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The 2025 North Cheshire Challenge was held on Saturday 5th June, judged by Erica Oram. The format is a knock-out club competition, with each club entering 5 images. In a knock-out, about 50% of the images are knocked out in a series of round until only a handful remain, at which point the judge chooses an overall winner. Scores are awarded based on the round at which an image is knocked out, and the club with the highest total score wins.

There were 125 images entered from 25 clubs. LSAPS scored 12 points and came 11^th, and although only mid table, this was in improvement on the previous year.

Stadarstadur Church Iceland by Carol Watson

2025 North Cheshire Challenge Images

Stadarstadur Church Iceland by Carol Watson - Score: 4 pts

The Reading Room by Gordon Watson - Score: 3 pts

Muscari by Joy Swarbrick - Score: 2 pts

Up And Over by Brian Clark - Score: 2 pts

Mother And Son From Hamer Tribe by Mary Kirkby - Score: 1 pts

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The inter-Club competition against Dublin CC was held on Tuesday 20th May on Zoom, this year hosted by LSAPS. The format involved 30 images from each club, all by different members in an open competition. The judge for the competition was Ralph Snook (ARPS, DPAGB, EFIAP/s) from Bristol PS. By the end of the first half, Dublin had opened up a 7pt lead, which they continued to build on through the second half, ending up the winners with 540pts against LSAPS score of 526pts.

LSAPS Images and scores are shown below.

Starling Squabble by Bill Breckenridge

2025 Dublin Battle Images

Muscid Fly On The Edge by Margaret Keane - Score: 20 pts

Starling Squabble by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 20 pts

Timor Shield Praying Mantis by Sheila Giles - Score: 20 pts

Waiting For Love by Esther Parkinson - Score: 20 pts

A Red Lionfish by Graham Barker - Score: 19 pts

Damsel Reflecting by Pete Dugan - Score: 19 pts

Heart Of The Gurdwara Kitchen by Elaine Cook - Score: 19 pts

Level At The Last by Brian Clark - Score: 19 pts

Skagsanden Aurora by Carol Watson - Score: 19 pts

Curemonte Artist by Martin Christensen - Score: 18 pts

Diamond In The Surf by Gordon Watson - Score: 18 pts

Male Sparrow Hawk by Chris Taylor - Score: 18 pts

The Artist by Eric Craven - Score: 18 pts

The Quintette Prowl by Anthony Hull - Score: 18 pts

Impressions Of Edinburgh - The Scott Monument by Simon Ray - Score: 17 pts

Old Groynes by Keith Orr - Score: 17 pts

Rufus The Baby Orangutan by Peter Darby - Score: 17 pts

Tide Coming In by Karen Morris - Score: 17 pts

Amazing Grey Poppy by Joy Swarbrick - Score: 16 pts

Armadillo by Ian Mulroy - Score: 16 pts

Armadillo Pattern by Andy Dickson - Score: 16 pts

Castlerigg Stone Circle by David Foreman - Score: 16 pts

Gateway To The Great Ridge by Dave Munn - Score: 16 pts

Loch Duich Salmon Trap by Mike Williamson - Score: 16 pts

Specks In Infinity by Marilyn Mulroy - Score: 16 pts

The Photographers by Peter Cotton - Score: 16 pts

Vicar's Close Toward The Cathedral by Stuart Cahill - Score: 16 pts

Japanese Anemone by Peter Flegg - Score: 15 pts

On Borrowed Time by Graham Taylor - Score: 15 pts

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The annual L&CPU Club competition was held on the 1st and 2nd of March at the Eccles Conference Centre. The PDI competition involves 24 images from each club – 16 in Open (Colour or Mono) and 8 in Nature, whilst the Print Competition again involves 24 images, but this time 8 in Open Colour, 8 in Mono and 8 in Nature. Each image is judged by 3 judges, awarding a maximum score of 15pts. In the PDI competition, LSAPS came in 9th place out of 42 clubs, with a total score of 276pts, whilst in the Print competition, LSAPS placed 5th out of 21 clubs with a score of 293pts. Combining both scores together, LSAPS were in a commendable 6th place – two positions down on last year. Chorley PS won both the Print and PDI competitions, and were therefore also in 1st place overall.

In the PDI competition, LSAPS had 10 images that scored 12 or above by Dave Munn, Gordon Watson, Carol Watson, Esther Parkinson, Margaret Keane and Sheila Giles, whilst in the Print Competition 17 images achieved this score, by Martin Christensen, Carol Watson, Gordon Watson, Brian Clark, Sheila Giles, Mike Williamson, Peter Darby, Chris Taylor and Mary Kirkby. Congratulations to Gordon Watson who’s A Pretty Penny scored a maximum 15 pts in the print section.

A Pretty Penny by Gordon Watson

LSAPS Print Scores

LSAPS Print Images

A Pretty Penny by Gordon Watson - Score: 15 pts

Curemonte Artist by Martin Christensen - Score: 13 pts

Dried Sea Holly by Carol Watson - Score: 13 pts

Morning Mist In The Forest by Mike Williamson - Score: 13 pts

A Romantic Moment by Sheila Giles - Score: 12 pts

Over The Top by Brian Clark - Score: 12 pts

Skogafoss by Gordon Watson - Score: 13 pts

Heilan Coo by Gordon Watson - Score: 12 pts

Taking To The Floor by Carol Watson - Score: 12 pts

Time For Contemplation by Carol Watson - Score: 12 pts

The Artist by Eric Craven - Score: 11 pts

Time And Tide Bell by Keith Orr - Score: 11 pts

Vicar's Close Toward The Cathedral by Stuart Cahill - Score: 11 pts

Winter Mists by Simon Ray - Score: 11 pts

Lions On The Alert by Mary Kirkby - Score: 14 pts

Kestrel With A Mouse by Peter Darby - Score: 13 pts

Male Sparrow Hawk by Chris Taylor - Score: 12 pts

Red Squirrel With Nut by Gordon Watson - Score: 12 pts

Timor Shield Praying Mantis by Sheila Giles - Score: 12 pts

Kestrel With Prey by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 11 pts

Starling Squabble by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 11 pts

Barn Owl With Field Mouse by Dave Munn - Score: 10 pts

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LSAPS PDI Scores

LSAPS PDI Images

As Soft As Silk by Gordon Watson - Score: 13 pts

Dapper Gent by Carol Watson - Score: 13 pts

Gateway To The Great Ridge by Dave Munn - Score: 13 pts

Skagsanden Aurora by Carol Watson - Score: 13 pts

Viking Raider by Gordon Watson - Score: 13 pts

Waiting For Love by Esther Parkinson - Score: 13 pts

Banded Demoiselle by Margaret Keane - Score: 12 pts

Harvest Mouse Quartet by Sheila Giles - Score: 12 pts

Muscid Fly On The Edge by Margaret Keane - Score: 12 pts

Always The Bridesmaid by Carol Watson - Score: 11 pts

Eagle Hunter Mongolia by Mary Kirkby - Score: 11 pts

Eilean Iarmain Lighthouse - Isle Of Skye by Mike Williamson - Score: 11 pts

Man Of Sherwood by Gordon Watson - Score: 11 pts

Sparrowhawk Tail End by Chris Taylor - Score: 11 pts

The Morning Run by Peter Flegg - Score: 11 pts

Timeless Radiance by Elaine Cook - Score: 11 pts

Land Yacht Racing by Brian Clark - Score: 10 pts

Pine Marten Reflection by Bill Breckenridge - Score: 10 pts

She's Behind You by Ian Mulroy - Score: 10 pts

Steam Coming Through by Carl Nowell - Score: 10 pts

Girl On A Platform by Peter Cotton - Score: 9 pts

Female Common Blue Damselfly by Carol Watson - Score: 14 pts

A Red Lionfish by Graham Barker - Score: 11 pts

Silver Studded Blues Mating by Dave Munn - Score: 11 pts

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