French Challenge

The French Challenge Revisited was staged as part of the Tasmania 2003 modified national exhibition held at the Wrest Point Convention Centre, Hobart, from April 11 to 13, 2003.

Tasmania 2003 was the meeting place for re-visiting the French Challenge that first took place in Canberra in 2000. Three years had past and some exhibits were no more, their owners for one reason or another disposing of them. As well, some of the year 2000 group this time round were on the "other side", Ian McMahon, Michael Blake, Ray Kelly, Bernard Beston and Dingle Smith all were judging.

In 2000 there were a total of 22 entries (86 frames) with only 2 vermeils being obtained and the highest score of 76. This time round, out of 15 entries (72 frames) the highest score was 83(LV) by Bruce Marshall, with Alexandria. In addition however there were 4 Vermeils; Linda Lee with Algeria; Hubert Gordon with New Caledonia; Martin Walker with Mauritania and Gary Brown with Tunisia.

Every entrant from 2000 improved their score, with a large number increasing 1 to 2 award levels. Two new entries that were not in Canberra were Benin/Dahomey by Paul Barsdell (judged in 2000) and Tunisia to 1940 by Yung Benson. Excellent work to all participants.

Fifteen participants took part. Congratulations to Bruce Marshall of New Zealand whose exhibit of "Alexandria - The French Post Office" was awarded a Large Vermeil medal and the French Challenge Special Prize.

Coverage of Tasmania 2003 and the French Challenge Revisited appeared in the July 2003 issue of APF News.

2003 French Challenge Entries and Medal Awards

Anthony Presgrave (SA)	Wallis and Futuna Islands	Silver-Bronze [60]
Gary Brown (Vic)	Tunisia till 1956	Vermeil [78]
David Ingle Smith (ACT)	Martinique	Non Competitive
Keith Garrard (SA)	French Guinea 1892 - 1958	Silver [66]
Linda Lee (NSW)	Algeria 1924 - 1945 : From Letterpress to Recess	Vermeil [77]
Paul Barsdell (ACT)	Benin / Dahomey	Silver [68]
Raymond Todd (WA)	Indochina - The Airplane Series 1933 - 1949	Silver [69]
Hubert Goron (ACT)	New Caledonia	Vermeil [77]
Ross Wood (WA)	French New Hebrides Definitives	Large Silver [70]
Elsa Todd (WA)	Guyane - The Definitive Series 1904 - 1940	Large Silver [70]
Robert Radley (Qld)	French Oceania / Polynesia	Silver-Bronze [64]
Yung Benson (NSW)	Tunisia to 1940	Large Silver [70]
Malcolm Groom (Tas)	Cote D'Ivoire 1892 - 1936	Silver [65]
Bruce Marshall (NZ)	Alexandria - The French Post Office	Large Vermeil [83] [SP]
Martin Walker (SA)	Mauritania - From French Civil Territory to French West Africa	Vermeil [75]