On Wednesday 19th September many members of the Reading Video and Film-makers gathered to say goodbye to one of their most respected members. He had borne his illness with such positivity and humour that it was an example to us all. Laurie had been an active member of the Club for almost 30 years, had served on its committee and acted as chairman initially from 1995 -1998 and then again from 2009 -2012.
More recently he had been the prime mover behind developing an introduction to video training programme which had attracted many new members and at the same time reduced the average age of members by a significant amount! He would help anyone and was a great mentor, motivator, inspirer and teacher. His approach was always can do, constructive and never critical.
Over the years his ability as film-maker had been recognised by receiving many awards at competitions staged by the Club, SoCo, IAC and at the Guernsey Lily. He will be remembered by his friends for his sense of humour and significantly one of his last actions was to donate a competition trophy for the best film to make you smile, a very appropriate memorial to a prolific and talented film maker.
Brian Hibbitt on behalf of the Reading Film and Video Makers