The British Society of Underwater Photographers celebrated 40 years of success this year. The Christmas event held on December 19 was very well attended and featured the open portfolio competition. This challenges entrants (there were 23) to show six images to the audience who then choose the winner. As all six images are projected simultaneously, competitors have to juggle subjects and compositions for best overall effect. It's a tall order to really get the portfolio spot on and win the votes. Shannon Conway, a long standing client of Ocean Optics and a good Subal man took top honours. Alex Mustard, the author-photographer (and a loyal friend to us who has presented at many of our functions) spoke on Shannon's behalf as Shannon is now based in Australia. Alex was with Shannon when his winning images were taken. A superb buffet was organised by Joss Woolf with mince pies donated by Cameras Underwater and some wine from ourselves.

Brian Pitkin told the story of the formation of BSoUP by our own Colin Doeg and world class tv underwater cameraman Peter Scoones. Sadly, neither was able to attend. Future celebrations of their achievements are planned. Colin, of course, is the prime mover behind the Ocean Optics/Mavericks Diving Visions in the Sea annual underwater photography festival and Peter has been a regular speaker at Visions and other Ocean Optics/Mavericks Diving events. Gill MacDonald, organiser of the Visions underwater photography competitions and Warren Williams, a friend of Ocean Optics who shoots publicity stills for us at the festival and has maintained his reputation as a top underwater image maker for more than thirty years, were also on hand. Chris McTernan, a long standing BSoUP member who can be found maintaining the Ocean Optics website and working doggedly behind the scenes was also present. Steve Warren, of Ocean Optics/Mavericks Diving London, attended as an invited guest of BSoUP.