Presentations of the CPRE Wiltshire Photographic Competition 2026

Presentations to the Winners of the CPRE Wiltshire’s Photographic Competition 2026

The full complement of talented winning photographers and generous sponsors turned out for the prize presentations in the CPRE Wiltshire Photographic Competition 2026.  The theme was Wiltshire Vernacular, and entries had to show buildings, domestic or functional, that make Wiltshire special.

First Prize of £100, sponsored by Grist Environmental, went to Wroughton based Stephen Bessent.  His study of Wilton windmill in winter was the judges’ unanimous choice.

‘Winter Sails’ — Wilton Windmill 

Picture shows his certificate being presented by Paul Mortimer, of sponsor Grist Environmental.

The second prize of £50 was a monochrome study of a mill on the river at Bradford on Avon.  This went to Keith Hingley, who received his prize from sponsor Graham Head of Headlights.

Picture shows Keith and Graham

‘The Mill and the Avon’

It was a close run thing between Keith’s picture, and Kate Stephens’ delightful shot of a traditional grain store on staddle stones, near her home in Lower Compton, which was awarded the third prize of £25

‘Charming Grain Store on Staddle Stones’

Picture shows Graham Head and Kate

Congratulations to all three winners!

And once again, our sincere thanks to everyone who entered. The quality and variety of the photographs made judging a real pleasure and highlighted just how much fascinating vernacular architecture there is across Wiltshire.

📸 Next Year’s Competition

We’re already looking ahead to next year!

The theme will be:

‘RURAL CRAFTS OF WILTSHIRE’

Photographers are encouraged to start thinking about the people, places, skills, trades and traditional crafts that help tell the story of rural Wiltshire.  We need rural crafts, which can be fairly widely interpreted.  Metalwork, basket making, thatching, baking of lardy cake and stone carving would definitely count, crafts  such as crochet or making a dinosaur out of Lego, not so much.

So, get your cameras out!

The organisers look forward to seeing what photographers discover across the county.

 Please also spread the word amongst friends and family.

With thanks to our generous sponsors, Grist and Headlights, for supporting the competition.