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The Club was founded in 1973 when members of Dunston Camera Club lost their meeting place and formed a new club in Whickham Community Centre, where we still meet. Our first President was Tom Heads of Head Photo Ltd. in Gateshead, and we lost a generous benefactor with his sad death in 1980. He donated equipment to sell to raise funds at some of our early ‘auction nights’ on the strict understanding that it would not be taken back to his shop and used in part exchange!
There have been many changes over the years – the annual subscription is no longer £1.50 – and regular coach outings gave way to car sharing. In 1981 there was a memorable day trip to Aviemore, courtesy of a British Rail ‘Merrymaker’ offer. Other highlights have included representing Northern Counties in the national Slide and Print Competitions.
The core activity has always been the Friday evenings in the Community Centre when members meet together for fellowship and to share information and ideas, and the Club has enjoyed a good reputation for friendliness. Over many years the programme of lecturers, competitions etc. has been enhanced by hosting visits from well-known photographers around the country, and these visits have been open to members of other clubs in the region.
Members' interests and preferred ways of working have varied. For many years colour slides were the dominant medium, and for some years black and white darkroom work gained popularity, supported by a few all-day Sunday printing workshops. More recently digital photography has taken over leading to an increase in the popularity of colour printing, although many members still use film in their cameras, and some continue to make colour slides. We now have a digital projector.
The Club has always been keen to attract people with an interest in photography irrespective of their experience, so the level of expertise varies widely, but with rapid advances in technology most are still learning. Occasional practical evening have encourages sharing, and there is an established monthly ‘Wednesday Group’ when some retired members enjoy a day of photography together.
For many years the Club held small exhibitions in Whickham Library until pressure on space prohibited them. A very successful recent innovation has been an annual exhibition in the Community Centre with a preview evening for members and guests followed by an open day for the public. Almost all members produce some work contributing to a show of over 150 prints and a continuos projection of digital images.
Although based in Whickham, membership has been drawn from a much wider area, and prospective members welcome to attend a few evenings without obligation.
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