Newbury Photography Club preparing to celebrate 80 years

Next year will see the 80th anniversary of the Newbury Photography Club.

Chairman Rob Carpenter spoke to Newburytoday about the history of the club, which had its inaugural meeting at 7pm on Thursday, February 1, 1945.

The Camera Club, as it was then called, met at the Tudor Cafe in Newbury – in 103 Northbrook Street.

The original Chairman was H.H. Dennis and the first president was Sir Henry Holder.

“The annual subscription was 10 shillings, and a darkroom was available for three (old) pence per hour,” explained Mr Carpenter.

“In 1946 the club had 74 members and Jack Hole became president following the death of Sir Henry Holder.

“The Tudor Cafe remained the home of the club for half a century, except for a few years out, but subsequently it has moved to several locations and its new home is now The Phoenix Centre on Newtown Road.”

He said that black and white print competitions were established in the early 1950s, but a colour group was not formed until the end of that decade.

“ Competition trophies were inaugurated in the 1960s and in 1967 the club was renamed as The Newbury Camera Club,” he added.

“By the early 1970s the club was taking part in external competitions and joined the newly formed Southern Photographic Federation.

“In 1978/79 the club achieved major successes by winning every print and slide competition in the Federation.”

The club hosted three major ‘Festivals of Photography’ in the 1980s and 1990s – attracting some of the country’s best photographers.

And its annual exhibitions to display the work of its members has taken place ever since, being held in the library, West Berkshire Museum and, more recently, Greenham Control Tower.

These events, Mr Carpenter said, attract a lot of visitors and help to advertise and promote the club.

Despite a general decline in membership since the early years, numbers are now beginning to rise again, which the club believes could be the result of a post-pandemic revival and the change to a more dynamic and interactive club.

It holds weekly meetings on Thursday evenings, which include in-person and Zoom talks by professional photographers.

“Our print and projected image competitions, both within the club and between clubs are reaching higher standards and we are currently in Group 1 for the Southern Counties Photographic Federation Print Competitions,” Mr Carpenter said.

“Workshop evenings are now an important part of the programme and are informal, interactive sessions to expand the knowledge, skills and enjoyment of members.”

The club also holds social events and visits.

For the past 24 years, members have provided images for the Newbury Cancer Care calendars, which have raised more than £50,000 for the charity.

A number of members have Distinctions from the Royal Photographic Society and awards for Photographic Merit from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

You can find out more by visiting www.newburyphotographyclub.uk

Here is a selection of images taken by members of the club.