Local photographer takes top honours in Exmouth photo competition

An Exmouth-based amateur photographer, Derek Carter, has had cause for success having won a photo competition which aimed to raise awareness of an endangered species of bird, the curlew, and can often be spotted on the Exe Estuary. 

Budding photographers from across the Devonshire town pitted their best shots against one another to claim first prize in the competition which was organised and judged by McCarthy Stone, the developer behind The Curlews Retirement Living Plus community on Merchant Avenue.

In a dazzling display of talent, Derek Carters’ winning shot captured the rare bird, which is characterised by its slender, down-curved bill and mottled brown plumage, in its natural habitat – in turn showcasing the Exe Estuary in all its glory.

As a result of clinching the top spot, Derek’s winning photograph will be on display in the Homeowners Lounge at The Curlews where visitors, friends and family of the homeowners living at the retirement community can view the stunning image. Derek was also awarded a £150 Hobbycraft voucher.  In addition, McCarthy Stone has also donated £250 to the RSPB, which helps to restore, protect, and care for natural habitats, such as the Exe which is home to more than 20,000 species of ‘wading bird’, many of which are rare or endangered.

Derek said: “I’m over the moon with the news and I’m so glad the team at McCarthy Stone loved my picture. I’m an avid bird watcher and I also volunteer as a cruise line speaker down at the estuary during the winter months, so when I saw the competition in the paper while doing some decorating, I knew that I had to dig out some of my favourite photos.

In a generous gesture, Derek revealed his plans for the £150 voucher, stating, "I'll be passing on the winnings to my lovely wife, who is a crafting enthusiast. She'll undoubtedly make the most of that voucher, and I can't wait to witness the pride of place my photograph will have in the new lounge."

Nicki Beswarick, Divisional Marketing at McCarthy Stone, commented: “We received some fantastic entries from the local community, which really brought to light the scope of talent in Exmouth. We’d like to thank everyone who participated and wish to say a huge congratulations to Derek for capturing what was truly a brilliant shot of the curlew.”

Set just two miles from Exmouth’s lively town centre and the beautiful Sandy Bay beaches, The Curlews will feature a stunning selection of 59 one and two-bedroom retirement apartments, where the over 70s can enjoy an independent lifestyle within a vibrant and social community of like-minded people.

Future homeowners will get to enjoy stylish communal facilities, including a well-appointed lounge, wellness suite, bistro, and stunning landscaped gardens. A handy guest suite also means friends and family can enjoy privacy when they come to stay.

A dedicated Estates Management team will be on-site around the clock to provide tailored domestic support and personal care to suit individual needs, granting retirees the independence they desire while ensuring support is readily available. Further peace of mind comes from a 24-hour emergency call system and the very latest security features including video door entry and an intruder alarm.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.

For more information about Retirement Living Plus at The Curlews, please call 0800 153 3076 or visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk/the-curlews.