Amateur photographer, Derek Carter, wins The Curlews’ photo competition
Budding photographers from across Exmouth pitted their best shots against one another to claim first prize in the competition that was organised and judged by McCarthy Stone’s The Curlews which offers stunning apartments, amenities and services for the over 70s.Derek Carters’ winning shot captured the rare bird, which is characterised by its slender, down-curved bill and mottled brown plumage, in its natural habitat—the Exe Estuary.
As a result of clinching the top spot, Derek’s winning photograph will be on display in the Homeowners Lounge at The Curlews where visitors, friends and family of the homeowners living at the retirement community can view the stunning image. Derek was also awarded a £150 Hobbycraft voucher. In addition, McCarthy Stone has also donated £250 to the RSPB, which helps to restore, protect, and care for natural habitats, such as the Exe which is home to more than 20,000 species of ‘wading bird’, many of which are rare or endangered.
Derek said: “I’m over the moon with the news and I’m so glad the team at McCarthy Stone loved my picture. I’m an avid bird watcher and I also volunteer as a cruise line speaker down at the estuary during the winter months, so when I saw the competition in the paper while doing some decorating, I knew that I had to dig out some of my favourite photos.
In a generous gesture, Derek revealed his plans for the £150 voucher, stating, "I'll be passing on the winnings to my lovely wife, who is a crafting enthusiast. She'll undoubtedly make the most of that voucher, and I can't wait to witness the pride of place my photograph will have in the new lounge."
Nicki Beswarick, Divisional Marketing at McCarthy Stone, commented: “We received some fantastic entries from the local community, which really brought to light the scope of talent in Exmouth. We’d like to thank everyone who participated and wish to say a huge congratulations to Derek for capturing what was truly a brilliant shot of the curlew.”
