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​Friday 20th April 2018
We never know what to expect on a meeting night even though the topic is set down on the syllabus.
It’s becoming a bit of a cliché, but the ‘shortcuts’ give a great start to the evening. However, I’m ahead of myself.
We started with a Special General meeting. Although my memory is only slightly worse than that of my computer, I’m sure this was a first for me. There were two motions to consider. 1. Conditions regarding a ‘Remote’ membership category, and 2. The offer of a ‘Joint’ membership which would allow a spouse of a full member to vote at meetings without having to pay a full membership.
Both were agreed to so now Ron has the pleasure of including amendments to the Club Rules.
Modest changes to definitions, to improve clarity, were discussed and accepted as was the proposal to accept the offer of the Victorian Amateur Photographic Society to include our club within their Public Liability Insurance scheme. This was necessitated by the demise of FAMM. A couple of concerns regarding the conditions of cover with respect to location are being addressed by Ron.
At this point I must say that you will find Ron mentioned (if not in despatches) quite often.  That’s not just because I like the name, but he does an awful lot of behind the scenes work. The fact that the club runs well is due in large part to these activities, so, when he asks for help don’t turn off the hearing aids!
Back on to stable ground.
The topic for the ‘shortcuts’ was GREEN.
The first movie seemed to be obvious at the start, taking us around a garden, viewing different shades of green. However, a subtle change showed us what some people with colour disabilities might see which demonstrated how lucky most of us are. Another shift demonstrated how a green screen can be used.
Next up was an Alfa Romeo. I wasn’t aware that they were anything other than red!! However, a one off special had been produced with many differences, not just the colour. Apparently the concept was based upon a beetle shape and colours.
We were next shown a dancing bear.  Not only dancing, but twisting to that- was it Chuck Berry song  ‘twistin’. Some of the higher level programs use ‘pins’ at the joints to facilitate movement, but this one had something extra by timing the movement to the beat of the music.
Superman move over.  One member demonstrated how to remove clothing using a computer. Of course he using animated figures but if you see you know who, lurking with a camera, be aware. Life is never easy.
Another member with an eye for attractive people (just women so he’s all right), showed a few photos in a gallery and questioned what it had to do with green. Subtle or what?
The same chap did the ‘Life of a tree hugger”, but did it end when the tree died?
Reginald Fleetsnot (or is that ‘shot’) showed what a green photographer will produce.  As a still photographer even I could do better, but the worry came when he joined a video club.  Arrrrrgh!
A time lapse, using a GoPro, of our green screen workshop showed that even though we have a few years on us, we can still move quickly.
Wow, what a lot to get through.  I think I’ll have a cup of coffee.
Back again!
After animated offerings from the audience, the topic for the next shortcut is COWS. Without the ‘e’.
Show and Tell came next with Gary H demonstrating his newest ‘toy’. With a feature enabling the use of hand gestures, a new drone will do your bidding. Quite remarkable, and what is more, Gary said he had more confidence flying this one indoors. It is a small package with a powerful specification.  Some compared it with a puppy as it followed Gary’ gestures. I thought more of a malevolent insect as it stared at him waiting for a command.
It is awfully difficult to get groups to flourish although a couple seem to be moving. I’ll send out the groups list gain to remind you who is where. John Millard tried to get discussion going, but many looked bemused, so we went on to the presentation of past group movies as selected by our members.
I think the equipment had a brain fade when I came on the screen and refused to progress after about two minutes of me. The next couple of oldies from the 1990’s were well received with some surprise at the clarity of sound. 
That rounded out a busy evening. Supper was arranged by Joe and Fred.
Just one more thing before I go into sleep mode.
Ron (that name again) asked that each night, a member sit with him and Richard, at the controls to ‘observe’. So, if you are ‘volunteered’ for that ‘promotion, please don’t be bashful. I know we are male dominated at the moment, but, ladies show your mettle, stand up and be counted. You are at least as knowledgeable as most of us.  We have had two lady Presidents in past years. Watchathink?
Cheers,