Although I had made the decision to try for my Licentiateship some time ago, I had always thought my images were not up to the necessary standard. If I hadn't joined Leyland PS back in 2008 I think I would still be at this stage, but I did, and have never looked back. The vast wealth of knowledge both members and guest speakers have offered has been invaluable.

Come the big day, my wife and I were the only ones who did not 'sit in' during the assessment. We spent the time walking round Bath, camera over shoulder of course.

We arrived back at Fenton House around 3.00pm to receive the good news. The sense of achievement and the mixed emotions I felt at this moment were immense - relief, happiness, joy and many more all rolled into one. I would recommend any member of the society, old or new, to have a go.

I'd just like to thank my friends and colleagues at the society, for all the support and encouragement they gave me to 'go for it'. The Sunday workshops gave me an insight into how to panel up a set of images as it is not just a question of selecting the best ten images .

Finally a big thank you to my wife for being so understanding and patient - the definition of a Photographer's Widow . As such I made her a promise that I would even think of going for my 'A' until the Autumn something which I have already failed.

These are the final 10 images that I submitted on the 4th June 2010 at Fenton House , Bath.