PHILIP NEWMAN

 

It is with deep regret that we learn of the very sudden death, on 17^th March, of former club member, Philip Newman, aged 58.  As recently as January, Philip travelled down from Banchory to give the second Winifred Brown Memorial Lecture, providing one of the best displays of nature images ever seen at PCPC.  He felt highly honoured to have been invited and we were privileged to view this specially compiled presentation.

 

While living in Kilmacolm, Philip was an enthusiastic member of the Club during the 1980s before work as a geologist in the oil industry took him to the Aberdeen area.  He never lost sight of, and would publicly acknowledge, just how important these years in the Club had been in his development as a wildlife photographer.  During this time he also assisted in the running of the Natural History Section of the Paisley International Exhibition, as well as being a selector on several occasions.  He totally dominated nature competitions in the club and gained numerous awards in International Exhibitions.

 

Philip’s speciality was bird photography and he produced work of the utmost quality that few, if indeed any, in this country could surpass.  He combined precision camera technique with a deep knowledge and understanding of the subjects he photographed and few realised the enormous amount of preparation and time in the field that was required to create so many of his images.  Over the years he had extended his early straight forward, but exquisite, approach, to one placing an increasing emphasis on behaviour and interaction, combined whenever possible with dramatic lighting and compositional perfection.  Indeed many of his images were truly artistic. 

 

Although he loved photographing rare or challenging species, he recently got as much pleasure and satisfaction photographing birds in his back garden, something he did right up to his last day when he spent six hours out in the snow photographing siskins.

 

Philip appeared quite a quiet person but loved engaging in lengthy discussions about anything to do with photography and wildlife.  Combined with a keen sense of humour, with jokes often directed at himself, it was always a pleasure to spend time in his company.  He was just so enthusiastic and dedicated in his pursuit of quality images – a truly great talent, now sadly lost.

 

Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife, Debbie, as well as the entire Newman family.

 

Duncan McEwan

John Anderson

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of John Anderson, an Honorary Member of the Club.  He died peacefully on Wednesday 16^th January, aged 85.

 

John joined Paisley Colour in 1970, followed a year later by his wife Jean, and they both remained very active members until 1987 when they left Kilbarchan for life in their native Kelso.  Within two years of joining the Club he was elected a Council member, serving two terms of office, 1972-75 and 1982-87.  He served as President between 1975 and 1977.

 

He was very committed to the Paisley International Colour Slide Exhibition and was a member of the Executive Committee from the 4^th Exhibition in 1973 until 1984. While involved in all aspects of organisation he took particular pride in taking the show to audiences around the country.

 

 John’s personal interests in photography were varied, but landscape and nature gave him greatest pleasure.  He produced many audio-visual presentations based on his travels at home and abroad and enjoyed showing these to other photographic societies and organisations making him well known in the area.  Following early retirement, he moved to Kelso where he rejoined the local camera club and continued to pursue his interest in still photography and video.

 

John was a true Borderer, a real gentleman and a devoted family man.  All who knew him will remember his mischievous sense of humour and jovial smile.  He is survived by his wife Jean, son Iain and daughter Margaret.