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We are sad to report that long-time BOS member David Petty died in hospital on Saturday 3rd December 2011, after a short illness. David made huge contributions to the world of origami and to the British Origami Society for over 30 years, including time spent as general secretary and publications officer. he was awarded a Sidney French medal by the BOS. Condolences to his widow, Lillian.

The electronic version of the October Magazine (Issue 270) is now available for download (or reading online) in the members' area.

In order to promote the World Origami Days, folders are encourage to share a picture of their models or events at the WOD site, celebrating this period. In particular, for 2011 we are collecting models of Dragons from all the world as the year of the dragon (the chineze zodiac animal of this year). Details under the Events page of the WOD site

The Paper Culture Foundation, Korea (Jong Ie Nara) are holding the 2011 International Paper Folding Competition. The competition is open to all paper folders worldwide. Submissions can be made in two categories; unique original work, and original work that shows cultural contents. Entries should be sent to The Paper Culture Foundation along with a submission form, to arrive between Tue 4 October and Tue 25 October 2011. The top prize is $1000. More information and submission details and forms can be found here; The Paper Culture Foundation

On 21 September 2011 in Belgrade, Serbia, an attempt was made to break the world record for the longest DNA model. The event was organised by the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering in Belgrade to promote The Science Researchers night, a pan European project to increase public engagement in Science. The assembled group made a DNA model based on BOS member, Alex Bateman's origami design. Alex also attended the event to supervise proceedings. The BOS Secretary Mark Bolitho was also present and assisted in measurement. The final model was 247 metres and 44 cm long. The previous record was 20 metres. Some of the media coverage can be found here; Researchers Night Out and Serbia Time.

The Paper Museum in Tokyo, Japan will be holding an exhibition of the work of the late Origami Master, Akira Yoshizawa. The exhibition will run between September 17th and November 27th 2011. It will mark the 100th anniversary of his birth and display some of his collection. During the exhibition Kiyo Yoshizawa will be holding two workshops to teach some of the work of her late husband. For more information see the paper museum website: Paper Museum Tokyo

The Royal Mail have produced Origami themed stamps for PhilaNippon, the 2011 World Stamp Exhibition in Yokohama. The Exhibition Sheet, issued on 28th July, comprises 20 x 1st Class Smilers Hello stamps alongside labels featuring images of origami models representing paper folded elements of Japanese culture, history and art. The sheet was produced by UK based design company Kimpton creative. An image of the stamps can be found here; Kimpton Creative. Sheets can be purchased direct from the Royal Mail; Royal Mail

A team from the London Origami group will be holding a stall at the forthcoming London Matsuri (Sunday 18th September 2011). The event will take place on London's South bank in and around County Hall. It is a celebration of Japanese food and culture. For more information see the website: London Matsuri

At the recent Winchester convention, society honours were given out. Larry Hart (long-time member and creator, magazine editor) and Robin Macey (promotion of origami through photography, long-term member) were given a Sidney French medal. Robert Lang was made an Honorary Member of the BOS in appreciation of the immense amount of work, both academic and practical, that he has given to the world of origami.