MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands dynamic in full colour

Colourful images of the Falkland Islands today, with all their character and dynamic can be seen at Oxford's Town Hall from Tuesday, October, 29th - Saturday, November 2nd 2002.

Entitled "Falklands In Focus", the exhibition features over 40 colour photographs that portray the dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and various aspects of life in the Islands as captured by amateurs and professionals, including newspaper and magazine photographers

To mark the opening of the exhibition, a private preview of "Falklands in Focus" was held on Tuesday, followed by a reception at the Mayor's Parlour, Oxford Town Hall, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Gill Sanders. Falkland Islands Government (FIG) Representative, Sukey Cameron, Members of Parliament, dignitaries, local friends of the Islands and Stephen Betts the first Falkland Islands student to study at Oxford University were present at the reunion.

Information about the Islands, a dynamic Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, features alongside the pictures. Brochures and leaflets are available to take away. The exhibition has been organised by Falkland Islands Government Office in London and Oxford Town Hall, and runs in parallel with the city's Art and Craft Fair. Oxford was selected for its connections with the Islands, not least Brize Norton, where the RAF operates a flight service to and from Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands every five days. It is also home to the first Falkland Islands student to win a place at Oxford University, Stephen Betts. Stephen is currently in his second year as a resident of Lady Margaret Hall, studying Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

Falkland Islands Government Representative Sukey Cameron explains: "Through the exhibition we can show people what the Falkland Islands look like today - twenty years on from the Conflict. They are dynamic and forward looking, with their own character and beauty. We hope we might inspire a few people to visit the Islands and take their own pictures too!", said Sukey Cameron FIS's representative in London.

New this year, the exhibition has been shown at the John Innes Centre, Norwich; Queen's University, Belfast and at the Palace of Westminster, London. Oxford's Town Hall opening hours for the exhibition is 10am-4pm. Entry is free of charge. The list of photographers in the exhibit includes:

David Osborn, FRPS EFIAP, Norfolk - a well known and respected natural history photographer, David has planned and led expeditions and field meetings for the RAF and RPS, in addition to organising and running his own ventures. He has lived in the Falkland Islands and led tours there, as well as having written papers on its birdlife. Much of David's work has received major exhibition awards.

Charles Brown ARPS, Burton on Trent - wildlife photographer, lecturer and partner in tour operator Avian Adventures, wildlife specialists who bring groups to the Falkland Islands.

John Fairclough, Merseyside - won a trip to the Islands this year through Photographic Monthly magazine, as guest of Falkland Islands Tourist Board. Photography has been his hobby for the last ten years and he has won several awards.

David Thomas, Cornwall - a professional photographer working for Ministry of Defence, David has shown work in various exhibitions and magazines and recently visited the Islands for the third time to photograph the wildlife and landscape.

Jon Nicholson, Surrey - a professional photographer known around the world, recently returned from his first visit to the Islands, commissioned by Geographical magazine. John has published 10 photographic books over the last 7 years.

Deborah Ford, a Falkland Islander and keen amateur photographer based at the Falkland Islands Government Office in London

Derek Pettersson, a Falkland Islander who lives in Stanley.

Source: FIGO London