On Sunday 23rd November 2025, at an awards ceremony in Clara Vale, Ryton, it was my great pleasure as President of the Northern Counties Photographic Federation to honour Jim Welsh as Life Vice President of the NCPF. This is the highest honour given by the NCPF, is awarded for outstanding and dedicated service and is only awarded to a maximum of three recipients at any one time.

After joining the NCPF Executive in the early 1990’s, Jim has held various roles within the Federation over the past 40 years including Events Secretary, organising the Lakes Weekend events and Christmas Spectaculars at Kenton as well as organising the Club Championships and Annuals Competitions. He has also been the Judges Subcommittee Chairman and was President for 2 years during the pandemic. He is currently the Northern Area Representative and has been since 2010. In addition, he is a hard working member of Blyth Photographic Society.

Whatever task Jim undertakes he always puts in 110% effort and with a smile. Full of get up and go you can’t help but be inspired by Jim’s enthusiasm which rubs off onto all around him. He’s an inspiration to us all and a great asset to the NCPF.

They say behind every great man there is a great woman, and Jim is very fortunate to have Margaret by his side to help and support him in his many rolls within the NCPF.

Congratulations Jim on receiving this honour and I’m sure you will wear this badge of office with great pride.

Gerald Chamberlin DPAGB, EFIAP
NCPF President