Dear members,
It is with regret the Focus Committee hereby announces that Bruce Hood, Chairman, has resigned from the Focus Committee effectively immediately. Bruce has been instrumental in steering the group into it’s current position and we thank him unreservedly for his contribution to our group. Bruce left with the following statement, and we would like to wish him well into the future.
Hi All,
What a wonderful night the Awards night was. Jude, myself and my guests really enjoyed the evening. It was great catching up with everyone. The massive effort donated by each contributor to make such a professional night was truly inspirational. I have immensely enjoyed my time on the committee and I believe that together we have achieved a great deal. As everyone would know priorities change throughout life and the time I had mentally set aside to perform the duties required as chairman have steadily been eroded by other work, family and personal commitments and is not likely to change in the foreseeable future.
I have spoken to John Armytage and it is my belief that in the best interests of the group I move to vacate the position of Chairman effective immediately.
I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone through the group, facebook, flickr and god forbid even attend the odd shoot.
All the best
Bruce Hood
As a result of Bruce’s resignation the following interim arrangements have been made to the Committee until the elections at the AGM in February 2015 (date to be finalised). Nominations for the vacant positions will be sought from members in January. These changes have the full support of the Focus Committee.
Acting Chairman
Mike Hobbert will move into the position of Acting Chairman, effectively immediately. He will hold this position in a temporary capacity until the Focus Committee elections at the AGM in February 2015. Mike has been the Focus Publicity Officer since his election, and has done an amazing job. We wish him well in his interim role.
Acting Publicity Officer
As a result of Mike’s move to Acting Chairman, Brendan Goodger will move into the position of Acting Publicity Officer. Brendan has been doing an exceptional job of organising shoots for the group and we are excited to have him help us in this position, which he will hold until the Focus Committee elections at the AGM in Feb 2015.
Acting Training and Development Coordinator
As a result of Brendan’s move to Acting Publicity Officer, Luke Tscharke is standing down from the position of Training and Development Coordinator and moves into an acting Committee member role vacated by Brendan. This will allow Luke to focus more time on website development and running of the Focus blog.
With Luke’s move the Committee is thrilled to welcome Adam Williams to the role of Acting Training and Development Officer. Adam has been an excellent educator for the Focus group, and we strongly believe he will actively grow training and development opportunities for all Focus members. Adam will be taking up this interim role until the Focus Committee elections at the AGM in Feb 2015.
Creative Director
It is also with regret the committee announces the resignation of Douwe Dijkstra (Dex) as Creative Director. Dex has made a massive contribution to our group, by developing our branding, our logo, business cards, layout of our website, award certificates, and through countless other requests. We thank him wholeheartedly for his huge contribution and his passion for our group! The role of Creative Director will remain vacant at this stage.