I went back to The Times the other week. It was a little weird. Before they fired me I had persuaded the paper to sponsor a photographic competition run by the World Land Trust. This is good publicity for a cause and an organisation I care about and I had no wish to see WLT pulling out in loyalty to me. So, being a judge, I had to turn up to the judging. And it was at The Times.
The Times are in a new building now, so it wasn’t as spooky as I’d expected. I bumped into a few old friends, and that was nice rather than nasty. Admittedly I gave my former sports editor, Tim Hallissey, a bit of a turn. It was probably good therapy, if anything.
But the hell with that: what about the beasts? What about the competition?
Across the world, wildlife researchers set up their camera-traps to record data about the creatures and places they study. The patient cameras reveal details about who and what lives there and sometimes how they do it. And every now and then these cameras capture moments of beauty and wonder: every now and then, something very much like art. So WLT invented a competition to recognise this.
The prize-money goes to a scientific organisation, not an individual. There are various categories, including a new one for moving image. That would also have won the prize for best comedy.
The other judges were John Burton, CEO of World Land Trust, Sue Connolly, who was then picture editor of The Times, and two Times photographers: Jack Hill, who knows what it’s like to be up the sharp end, and David Bebber, with whom I have shared adventures in Paraguay, India and Borneo.
So this was a great bunch and we had a fine time arguing it all out, as we inspected one wonderful image after another. And here it all is, with all the winners and the placed entries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EulksKBhG18&feature=youtu.be
I hoe you like the camel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mneBtly30k
Simon,
The YT link in your blog went through to a music piece. I have attached the WLT link. I wonder if anyone else has encountered this problem ?
Tom C
Hi, I had the same problem – thanks for the link, Tom. Kristina
I really miss your colums in the Times, both the nature column but especially the sport, you always wrote so honestly and incisevly. I also remember you wore a very moving piece about your son who has Down’s which I shred with my sister whose beautiful daughter has the same condition.
Thanks for you kind words, you can pick up my sports stuff on the ESPN website. Eddie and I plan to make some cinnamon buns this afternoon!
Gosh how could there be so many spelling errors in that! Must not type on the move!
Yes, I had the same problem. Thanks for the new link.
Lovely music Si , can’t imagine who it is…..
Best,
Tone H.
Thanks Tone! Love Joseph!
Simon, thanks for that. Whatever the machinations at the “Times”, be assured that there are many of us who have enjoyed your superbly written pieces/books over the years and would happily sign a “Clarkson-style” on-line petition for your return (although I am sure you would be forthright with them as to where to place the offer!) The great bonus for us “carrot-crunchers” is that we now have you writing in the EDP on a regular basis.
I’m enjoying getting on with my new life. Thanks for you kind words and your loyalty.
Dear Simon, the link leads me to a rock music piece. May you check it please (-: Thank you xx
Me too. Looking forward to seeing the camel.
wrong link….
Still can’t get used to it – every time something big in sport happens at the weekend – from Murray’s meltdown at the AO to England’s catastrophic woes at the World Cup, I reach for the back pages to see what you thought . . .
Look forward to seeing these pics on the fixed link – used to love them in the paper too! Sigh.
Many thanks for your kind words.
Thanks Tom C for correct link – Great video Simon
Link for WLT award on You tube doesn’t seem to be working.
Can you redo it ?
Mike
Tom Connor’s link worked for me, but then we’ve just had our machine serviced, so maybe it’s working better!
Marvellous Simon. Uplifting and inspiring.
For the link see Tom Connor’s comment with correct link or go to the WLT site
Delighted you enjoyed it.
The Times is much the poorer without you, Simon. Always loved your magical writings on the natural world. Word painting is certainly a gift which you have in abundance. At last we’re off to Luangua in October – influenced by your beautifully crafted descriptions. Thanks, too, for your contribution to the World Land Trust.
Thanks for kind words and have a wonderful time in the Valley. I’m writing a book about the Valley which should be out early next year.
Lovely clip thank you. I do miss your columns in The Times.
Thanks for kind words.