RIP Pol

[Ian]

It's with great sadness that I must bring news that DPNow stalwart and unique character, Pol passed away on Sunday after a long struggle with her health, not helped by the unexpected loss of her husband, David, after a short illness.



Pol was. of course, a forum moderator and even when she was clearly very unwell she insisted on continuing to zap spam accounts and provide much-welcome advice.


She was also one of the first dozen or so to register on the new forum here back in September 2006. Indeed, she was a regular on our old WebBBS forum, before that. Some of us will remember her apparent fondness for a camper van that she and David would use to travel around the country.



A Pentax DSLR system user, Pol had a keen eye. Her powers of observation went beyond the camera lens but here is a photographic example of that aspect of her character:





This shot she titled: "Human remains".


Here is a shot Pol posted in 2014 (though taken in 2006, when she was in better health), showing she could handle a bird in flight shot with some skill:





She loved animals and her photos featured many, from the smallest birds upwards. Above all, she loved observing others.


Pol's long-standing and low profile work as a forum moderator was hugely valued. A shy and private lady, Pol would also reach out to new members and give them vital encouragement and she also had a wicked sense of humour.

I received the news of her passing from one of her three sons, Richard. My thoughts are with him and the rest of Pol's family and friends.


Thank you, Pol.


Ian

[Garry]

Re: RIP Pol

Very sad news.

R.I.P. Pol

[Rodbender]

Re: RIP Pol

It is indeed with great sadness that I read the above. Pol was an inspiration both in her photography and as a friend. I have been trying to contact her since before Christmas. The bird in the picture was known as Gilbert. Pol loved to visit Romney Marsh in her camper van and it was there that she captured the picture of Gilbert.
I will sorely miss chatting to her. Via email and forum PM's. God Bless you Pol, RIP.

[Barr1e]

Re: RIP Pol

Sorry to hear this news.

Barrie

[Blithe]

Re: RIP Pol

So sorry to read this. A lovely lady who will be remembered by many. RIP Pol.

[Caz]

Re: RIP Pol

That is sad news. Pol was always helpful and considerate to a forum newbie when I joined in 2008.
I'm sure that I'm not the only one thinking of her family at this time.

[Rab]

Re: RIP Pol

Sorry to hear this news. She will be missed. RIP.

[Autumn]

Re: RIP Pol

Just thought I'd pop in and have a look around. I then thought I'll see what Pol's been up to lately. It was therefore a great shock to see that she had passed as we used to communicate when she first went into the home. I know she was not in the best of health with her back. I am so sorry.

[Ian]

Re: RIP Pol

Just thought I'd pop in and have a look around. I then thought I'll see what Pol's been up to lately. It was therefore a great shock to see that she had passed as we used to communicate when she first went into the home. I know she was not in the best of health with her back. I am so sorry.

Hi Audrey, sorry for the shock. I do know she was in a pretty bad way and at least she is no longer suffering. But her strength of character never failed to shine through.


Ian

[patmoore]

Re: RIP Pol

Just spotted this. Very sad to hear.

[peter]

Re: RIP Pol

Very sad my thoughts are with her family. RIP Pol

[Ian]

I feel a bit bad that I have only just noticed that the first anniversary of Pol's death was over a week ago.

I'm not religious but if you are looking in, Pol, I hope you like the new forum!

In May it will also be the 9th year that we will have been without Stephen.

Both these wonderful people were great stalwarts here and rather than missed, though they are, I prefer to think; 'fondly remembered!"

Ian

[Autumn]

For some reason I was thinking about Stephen today and said to myself what a friendly helpful person he was. Pol, also is missed. Both of them excellent photographers.

[Garry]

How time fly's. Didn't realise a year had already passed. Really miss Pol's sharp tongue and her wit.

Unfortunately, I didn't really know Stephen. But I appreciate that he was popular and very much missed by the members.

[Ian]

How time fly's. Didn't realise a year had already passed. Really miss Pol's sharp tongue and her wit.

Unfortunately, I didn't really know Stephen. But I appreciate that he was popular and very much missed by the members.

Stephen was not only a very good photographer but a kind and caring person - he also had a wicked sense of humour and although he had strong opinions he would never make a big deal about it.

I wish you had k own him!

Ian

[Caz]

I remember them both well: with his wealth of experience and expertise, Stephen was always helpful to a forum newbie and willing to explain without making a beginner photographer feel a fool.
Pol was also helpful and friendly - both are sadly missed.

I find that a lot of the forums or groups I belong to that aren't Facebook are people of a certain age. A group I belong to on Flickr (mostly ex Open University photography students) is down to 23 members and about 8 active contributors. The 50+ group has almost ceased talking, and the 60+ group have so many rules and regulations that I don't bother with it much!

There are still younger photographers, they just don't post much on forums. I spent the weekend helping my cousin to get off auto (they've had the camera for over 5 years!) - I did manage to get her on to AV (or in her case, A - she has a Nikon 3100).