|
Foundation
In his own words "Loneliness brought about the formation
of Windlesham Camera club, a village organisation in Bagshot,
Surrey" back in 1935 when the founder, John Hayward decided
to try to form an association of fellow photography enthusiasts.
They immediately got down to organising lectures and practical
sessions for a membership that soon rose above 300. Not many
local camera clubs of today can boast this level of support.
With his Adana printing press Hayward printed regular newsletters
full of useful photographic information and packed with events.
Early Activities
In its first year members filmed a "Windlesham Tribute"
in memory of the 1935 Coronation. This film was shown at Bagshot
Park to HRH The Duke of Connaught, who had become Patron
of the club, and Lady Patricia Ramsay.
Right from the word go Hayward organised exhibitions of photographic
art with entries from around the world. The first Annual Exhibition,
opened by the Hon. Anthony Asquith attracted over 500 entries
from camera artists as far apart as New York and Budapest.
The Royal Connection
Unfortunately the war caused a curtailment of activities but,
in 1948, the club re-opened and received the signal honour
of an acceptance by the Princess Elizabeth of an invitation
to become Patron. The Princess opened the International exhibition
in Camberley in 1949. Among the club records are photographs
of the princess inspecting exhibits and presenting trophies.
The Committee was honoured to be invited to visit the Princess
Elizabeth at Windlesham Moor (where she resided before becoming
Queen) and to take photographs there. The Club treasures a
photograph showing one of the members instructing the Princess
in the use of a large format camera on that occasion.
In 1950 the Club made a film for the British Red Cross Society
when they recorded a 16mm. colour film of the Ceremony of
the dedication of Colours at Guildford.
International Salons of Photography
The Club's eighth international Salon of photography held
in Camberley was a highly successful event with over 1,000
entries, representing the work of photographers in 20 different
countries.
International exhibitions continued into the early 1970s with
many renowned photographers and nobility opening the exhibitions.
The list of dignitaries reads like an extract from 'Who's
Who' - The Duke of Connaught, Hon. Anthony Asquith, The Earl
of Clanwilliam, Lady Patricia Ramsey, Lord Windlesham, The
Princess Elizabeth, Mr. Marcus Adams, Sir Eric Conran Smith,
General Sir Robert Hanning, The Hon. Gerald Lascelles and
the celebrated photographer, Baron.
A Change of Name
Following a change in the Committee the club's name was expanded
to include Camberley in its title.
The Club Today
In spite of its enviable history the club does not rest on
its laurels or live in the past. It continues to thrive even
though, in line with the times, membership has settled to
a regular group of around 40 enthusiasts from the halcyon
days of 300.
A full weekly programme of talks, demonstrations and competitions
is arranged covering stills photography, digital imaging and
audio-visual presentations. Visits to other clubs take place
throughout the season.
To a limited extent the moving image is covered with occasional
programmes devoted to cine and video techniques. Many members
have now developed considerable interest and experience in
digital imaging and digital audio-visual presentation.
Competitions throughout the year include the usual print and
slide battles but, for variety, we also have Team Competitions,
'Match-a-slide' battles with other clubs, a Men Vs Woman contest
and also Theme and Set Subject competitions.
The more popular Club visits are to steam railway events,
other clubs and to photographic processing laboratories.
As a member of the Surrey Photographic Association we benefit
from the expert lecturers and Judges that tour the club circuit
and the annual cycle of print and slide competitions.
We are not sure what it means for other clubs but we are often
told that we are a particularly friendly club that is a pleasure
to attend. This must be related to size but we think it is
also due to the attention paid by members to welcoming visitors,
speakers and judges as well as new members.
Our President
Our President, The Late Edward
Mendell, FRPS, FRGS was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society. He
spent many years travelling the world photographing endangered
species of animals in far flung places. Edward has published
several books and given numerous public shows of his work
for the benefit of the Worldwide Fund for Nature in the UK.
He has also photographed many Peoples of the World.
The Committee
The Club has a fairly large committee comprising 13 members
in order to share the considerable load involved in maintaining
a lively and active programme. Probably the heaviest load
falls on the Programme and Competition Committees.
The Future
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the club's foundation
we look forward to continuing to build on our strong foundations
in providing a meeting place for photography enthusiasts and
contributing to the wider local community.
There's nothing to beat an evening out at a small friendly
camera club. Care to join us?
|
