Outdoor Writers' Guild Awards for Excellence 2004

OWG members travelled from all over the UK to attend the Guild's Annual Dinner at the Cally Palace Hotel near Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, on Saturday, 6 November 2004.

A special presentation was made to Terry Marsh to mark his exceptional service to the OWG in many capacities, including 10 years as secretary. From left: Terry Marsh, Vivienne Marsh, Val Smith, Roly Smith (OWG President)

For the second time in three years, David Chapman, a specialist wildlife photographer and writer from Hayle in Cornwall, won both the Photographic and the Regular Feature (series) awards.

David Chapman won the Photographic award on the strength of his portfolio on "Wildlife Conservation in the Outer Hebrides". The judges remarked on the fine landscape and excellent close-up work on show and commented that David clinched the award, in the face of strong competition, with a couple of truly outstanding images.

Highly Commended in the Photographic category were: Richard Sale for "Arctic Wildlife" and Jon Sparks for "Moods of Lancashire".

Paul Lamarra receives his award
from OWG President Roly Smith

David Chapman also won the Regular Feature (series) award for his column "Nature's Way" in the "Caravan Club Magazine". The judges commented: 'I really felt that I got to know David'; ' he achieves a lot in the least space'; 'encourages observation'.

The One-off Feature award went to Paul Lamarra for "Journey to Jura", published in "The Scots Magazine". The judges described this as 'evocative - a clearly-focused and personal account' and praised its 'descriptive writing and general originality'.

The winner of the Guidebook award was Chris Craggs of Sheffield for "Western Grit", published by Rockfax and co-authored by non-member Alan James. The judges noted that it was 'a virtually flawless climbing guide - an admirable and practical book - extraordinary clarity'.

Highly Commended in the Guidebook category was "Exploring Kilvert Country" by Chris Barber.

Jon Sparks receives his award
from OWG President Roly Smith

In the Outdoor Book category the winner was "Lake District Moods" by Jon Sparks, published by Halsgrove. The judges called it 'elegantly presented - showing an intimate knowledge of the terrain' and described the captions as 'prose poems'.

Frank Bennett of Lyon Equipment, UK distributors of the Jetboil stove, receives the OWG Crystal Award from OWG President Roly Smith

List of 2004 Winners:

Photography: David Chapman
Regular Features (series): David Chapman
One-off Feature : Paul Lamarra
Guidebook: Chris Craggs & Alan James
Outdoor Book: Jon Sparks

For further information: Contact Terry Marsh, Secretary of the OWG on 01772 321243 or email: Secretary@owg.org.uk.

Note to Editors :

The Outdoor Writers' Guild is the only group of media professionals whose members are exclusively involved in the outdoor world. As its reputation and influence has grown, it has become recognised as the voice of outdoor journalism.

Previous News

Outdoor Writers' Guild