Images of the Downs
The Kent Downs Area of outstanding Natural Beauty (Kent
Downs AONB) covers 878 sq. km from the White Cliffs at Dover and
Folkestone to the Surrey Border. This distinct landscape feature is
internationally recognised for its breathtaking natural beauty. And what
better way to celebrate this than for people to show us exactly why they
think it’s beautiful.
A photography competition, run by The Kentish Stour
Countryside Project, aims for people to highlight what they like and
dislike about the section of the Kent Downs AONB that runs across the
Stour Valley to the south of Canterbury. This includes the Parishes of
Waltham, Petham, Chartham, Barham, Kingston, Upper Hardes, Lower Hardes,
Bishopsbourne, Patrixbourne, Bridge and Womanswold. The competition is
open to everybody; whether you live within these parishes, pass through
them on your way to work or school or have ever visited them. We want to
know what you think in one of the simplest and most visual ways possible.
Just send in a photo you have taken that shows something you believe is
either good or bad about the area.
So this could be a beautiful hilltop view, a herd of
dairy cows browsing peacefully in a field or your favourite tree, for
example. Alternatively, it could be that main road that scars the
landscape, new housing developments built over green fields or the
graffiti in the village bus shelter. If you feel strongly about any issue,
this is a brilliant opportunity to be able to express your opinions.
The idea is, wherever possible, over the coming months
the KSCP will work on developing any issues raised. Expanding on this
theme is the historical aspect of the competition. You may submit any
photograph from the past, whatever the date, that shows something of
interest within the parishes that may not be there anymore. So for
example, an old building that’s been knocked down, or the cart horses
that were used before tractors, or just a photo showing village life 50
years ago. Whatever it may be, it’s a valuable contribution to our
understanding of the local area.
The three categories are as follows: The Good, The Bad
and the Past. The first two categories will be split into two age groups,
15 & over and under 14’s. Once all entries have been received, there
will be a roving display around many different venues in the Canterbury
exhibiting selected photographs.
To enter, send your photograph (no bigger than A4) with
your name, age and address printed clearly on the back to Jo Haskett, KSCP,
Sidelands Farm, Wye, Ashford, Kent TN25 5DQ before the closing date on 3rd
January 2005. Remember to state which category it is being entered for, a
little bit of information about the image and include a stamped SAE so the
photo can be returned. You may enter all three categories if you choose
and up to 3 photographs per category.
Coloured copies and digital photo printouts will be
accepted if good quality. For more information and full terms and
conditions phone Jo Haskett, Canterbury Greenspace Officer, on 01233 813
307. The competition is open to everybody, entry is free and as well as
expressing your views there is also the opportunity of winning some
amazing prizes too!
