The Northern Audio Visual Group

Bright sunshine greeted twenty-four members at St John’s Hall, Snods Edge, on 17 October 2026. Inside, the room was chilly—but the programme promised plenty of warmth: - our AGM, fourteen members’ audio-visual programmes and the welcome return of guest speaker Malcolm Imhoff FRPS FACI(M) AV-EFIAP. Once the thermostat and technology were mastered, Pat Johnston soon had the equipment ready to begin.

The AGM brought heartfelt thanks to four of our seven committee members who were stepping down. Kath and Harry Gilbert’s coffee capers will be much missed, although everyone hopes their classic scripts and delicate voice-overs will continue. Val Johnston stepping down as Chairperson, agreed to remain on the committee, while Howard Wilson recalled how he and Ron Henry had proposed each other for committee posts back in 2013.

Electing new officers proved harder. Secretary David Niman is willing to become Chairman, but nobody volunteered to replace him as Secretary. Members agreed that one person should not carry both roles, so the post remains open. Allan Snape was elected to the committee. (Allan Subsequently volunteered to take up the role of Secretary which leaves David free to become Chairman)

Members agreed to continue the group website at www.thenorthernavgroup.co.uk. Ron Henry will act as webmaster for now, and contributions are warmly invited at thenorthernaudiovisualgroup@gmail.com.

With the AGM kept close to schedule, coffee time arrived shortly after 10:30 and the members’ showcase began.

The morning programme carried us from the Gilberts’ Dubrovnik’s Walls and Ron Henry’s Drone Take Off to Gerry Stephens’ nostalgic Coal Train Memories. Carol Cook brought us Amsterdam’s tulips, Ian Gregory revealed the unusual world of Medieval Bridge Chapels, and David Niman floated us Down the River Tees. Pat Johnston rounded off the session with a Great Day Out at Kynren. Malcolm’s generous comments added insight and encouragement throughout.

Malcolm then picked up where his visit last March had ended. Stepping Out, photographed to storyboarded song lyrics, was a masterclass in timing. His celebrated Soul Music paired striking images with different versions of “How Great Thou Art”, while Descent of Mont Blanc and Watch Where You’re Putting Your Feet—the story of Alfred Wainwright—showed his remarkable range.

Lunch from a new caterer was plentiful, if some sandwich fillings were a lucky dip, and gave everyone time to chat with old friends and new acquaintances. Even the heating returned for the afternoon.

The afternoon showcase was equally varied: Howard Wilson’s poignant portrait of photographer Chris Killip; Andrew Hardie’s Exotic Redcar; Val Johnston’s moving journey through Krakow; and Alan Snape’s surprise The King—a king penguin, not a crooner. Peter Reynolds brought his outstanding photography to the North Pennines, Ray Macmillan added personal touches to a Durham Walkabout, and Gerry Stephens’ Kevin Keegan Tributes moved almost everyone—except Malcolm, who had never heard of Kevin Keegan, prompting a sharp intake of breath from the hall!

After coffee, self-styled “Mountain Man” Malcolm took us through the Alps in The Stain in the Snow, ending with an ascent of the 4,099-metre Mönch. He then revealed how he builds soundtracks tune by tune before sharing several engaging one-minute programmes. Their pace and discipline may well inspire a future NAVGroup challenge. The day closed with his moving In Lonely Places—a fitting end to an inspiring and educational programme.

David Niman’s vote of thanks captured the mood: appreciation for Val, Pat, the committee and our expert guest. The room may have been tepid, but the friendship, creativity and enthusiasm were anything but. If you enjoy photography, storytelling, music or simply good company, come along next time—you do not need to be an expert to feel welcome or leave inspired.

Join us on Zoom in January, then at Snods Edge on 20^th March 2027. For Expert Exchanges We would love to see you there.

PS - With heartfelt thanks to Val Johnston — Although Val’s departure as Chairperson was not formally marked during the AGM, probably due to a new Chairman not being ratified at the time. we want to place on record our profound gratitude for everything she has done for the Northern Audio-Visual Group. When the Group needed renewed direction some five years ago, Val stepped forward with energy, expertise and determination. Through her leadership, warmth and unstinting commitment, she helped revive the NAVGroup and guided it into a stronger, more welcoming future. Val has generously agreed to remain on the committee, and we are delighted that her experience and friendship and use of her home as a meeting place! will continue to enrich the Group. On behalf of every member, thank you, Val, for your remarkable service as Chairperson. You did far more than steady the ship: you restored our confidence, brought us together and set us firmly on course for the years ahead.