Hugh Baird University Alumnus, Jennifer Colas, Opens New Photography Studio in Pamplona, Spain

JENNIFER Colas, a former student at Hugh Baird University Centre, has turned her dreams into reality with the opening of the Old Camera Photography Centre in Pamplona, Spain. She completed her BA in Digital Imaging and Photography in 2019, as part of a personal development module during the course, Jennifer came up with the idea of the Old Camera Photography Centre. This was then launched in September 2023.

Since graduating, Jennifer has become a recognised photographer; working with the University of Jaen on a 13 year long archaeological excavation, during which she worked with National Geographic. She has also hosted an exhibition at Revelat Festival in Barecelona and was recognised as a:- "Discoveries 2020" participant in PhotoESPAÑA2020, Spain's most prestigious photographic festival.

Old Camera Photography Centre opened its doors in September and has quickly garnered significant interest and enthusiasm from the local community for its unique offer. The centre offers a diverse range of courses and workshops, catering to individuals of all ages and photography backgrounds. Its prime exhibition space aims to become a focal point for photographers, artists, and the community; providing a platform for the celebration of visual culture.

In an interview with Jennifer's former tutor, Tadgh Devlin, he said:- "I remember thinking it was really ambitious, but I knew she could do it as she was very positive and hugely energetic about her own work and photography in general. It's inspiring to see what she has achieved and that she has gotten to where she predicted herself to be in 2019. Well done to her."

When speaking with Jennifer, she said:- "Hugh Baird University Centre was where I found my place in photography. Thanks to the help of my teachers, I experimented with analogue photography. We just opened our doors in September, and there has been considerable interest. There are lots of big plans for the future, and I am overwhelmed with the warm welcome that Old Camera Photography Centre has received. "

For more information about the Old Cinema Photography Centre and what it offers, please visit:- CentrooldCamera.Com.

Those wishing to find out more about Digital Imaging and Photography Degrees at the University Center should visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK.

BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2023 top 3 revealed

THE top 3 contenders for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2023 have been announced live on Blue Peter; each 1 recognised for their outstanding achievement in the world of sport this year.

In alphabetical order, the Top 3 are:-

• Mia Brookes (snowboarding)
   

• Penny Healey (archery)
   

• Charlie McIntyre (wheelchair basketball)

Mia Brookes (16, Cheshire) has had a phenomenal year, becoming the youngest ever Snowboard World Champion, at the Bakuriani Freestyle World Championships. She was the 1st female snowboarder to land a Cab 1440 in a competition and became the 1st British athlete to win a Freestyle Snowboard (Slopestyle) World Championship title, alongside finishing fifth in the Big Air competition. On its own this success is incredible, but Mia achieved all of this while studying for and sitting her GCSE's.

On being shortlisted, Mia said:- "This year has been unreal, and to get a nomination for Young Sports Personality of the year is an incredible way to sum it up. A year ago, I'd never have believed I'd be in this position, and I'm just really grateful to everyone; my family, my coaches, the whole team; for supporting me along the way."

Penny Healey (18, Shropshire) made the move to senior competitions in 2023 but didn't let it phase her. She spent the majority of the year ranked world number 1 and demonstrated her incredible talent by winning a huge number of competitions along the way. Penny took home a gold medal at the 1st stage of the Archery World Cup series, securing a spot at the finals in Mexico. She also achieved gold at the European Grand Prix and the European Games in Krakow, in both individual and team events, solidifying her status as rising star. She's also qualified a quota place for British Archery at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

On being shortlisted, Penny said:- "I feel honoured to have been shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year award! It's been a great year and being nominated for this award on top of that makes it even better."

Charlie McIntyre (18, Essex) had a fantastic year representing both GB and his club, London Titans. Representing GB U22 at a Home Nations competition, Charlie led the team to an incredible undefeated 3/3 victories. While for his club, Charlie helped them to win the British Premier League as well as represented the Titans at Eurocup where individually he made the 'All-Star 5' 3 times, cementing him as 1 of the best players at the tournament. This summer, Charlie also signed his 1st professional contract for Dinamo Sassari, competing in the top division of Italian Basketball.

On being shortlisted, Charlie said:- "I'm absolutely honoured to have even made it on the list for the Young Sports Personality of the Year, let alone to have made it in the top 3 contenders. It feels so amazing! I am lost for words, but I guess I would just like to thank every person who has followed or helped me along my path so far."

The top 3 contenders were chosen by an esteemed judging panel made up of former Young Sports Personality of the Year winners Theo Walcott, Andrea Spendolini Sirieix and Harry Aikines Aryeetey. Double Paralympic gold medallist and World Champion rower, Lauren Rowles, also joined the panel alongside representatives from BBC Sport, Youth Sport Trust, Blue Peter and a special Blue Peter badge winner.

Andrea Spendolini Sirieix, former Young Sports Personality of the Year winner in 2020 and panellist this year, said:- "It is incredible to see these athletes shining and dominating the senior field. At their age, to be able to handle that kind of pressure and bring back medals and titles is awe inspiring. Seeing them break boundaries and stigmas on age and experience and proving how strong and powerful the youth is, makes me so proud. What Mia, Penny and Charlie have achieved this year is incredible. They are all rising stars and I have no doubt that they'll excel and keep on improving and bringing back medals. We all have so much to learn from them."

The Top 10 included:- Jack Jacobs (artistic gymnastics), Ranjuo Tomblin (artistic swimming), Toby Roberts (climbing), Cat Ferguson (cycling), Ben Doak (football), Poppy Maskill (para swimming), Sky Brown (skateboarding).

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 is taking place on Tuesday 19 December, live on BBC 1 and iPlayer.