There was an overwhelming response to the "Nature in our Neighbourhood" Photographic Competition organised by the conservation group "Save Our Wyke" held on Saturday, 20^th November in the Town Hall, Gillingham. The idea behind the competition was to encourage people to explore the countryside around Gillingham, especially the Wyke area and promote the rich biodiversity in the area. With 78 entries spread amongst three age groups, Bob Indge of Gillingham Photographic and David Hansford, landscape photographer, Shearstock Gallery judged the entries together, with the following results:

Under 12s: first prize: Ebony Chilcott-Legg, age 5, "S.O.W. Green"; second prize: Izzy Hansford, age 9, "Frog"; third prize: Constance Pollard, age 7, "Magic Mushrooms". 13 –16 years: first prize: Harvey Dimond, age 13, "Dandelion Clock 2"; second prize: Faye Sparkes, age 13, "Squirrel in Tree"; third prize: Alice Field, age 13, "Autumn Rainbow". Adult: first prize: Toby D’Ambrumenil, "An eye in the night"; second prize: Ian Oxton, "Autumnal Daze"; third prize: Murray Pearson, "Grey Dagger Moth Caterpillar". Mr Murray Pearson also won the public vote for "Best in Competition", his photograph will therefore form the front cover of the "Save Our Wyke" Conservation Report being prepared for presentation to North Dorset District Council.

The sponsor of the event was Clifford T. Shean Ltd (electrical contractors) and donations of prizes received from "Paws, Claws and Jaws", pet shop Gillingham, Orchard Park Garden Centre, The National Trust, "Plantworld", Milton-on-Stour, Mr & Mrs. Jarvis, Mrs.Nikki Bee and Mr. & Mrs. Thrasher, who also set up a fantastic display of wildlife footage taken mostly in and around their back garden, which captivated an audience throughout the afternoon.