BLYTH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY (Published Sept 2006)
The origins of our Society lie in the formation, in 1936, of the Blyth and District Camera Club, Club records from the early years are not available, however, from press notices of the time it is evident that the Club was forward looking, typically a meeting in April 1938 concluded that 'miniature cameras were suitable for most photographic purposes'.
In those early days the emphasis was on learning by doing and involved monthly criticisms of members black and white work. Colour and Cine photography were also actively encouraged.
No references can be found for the period 1939-45, however, in 1947 the Club emerged as Blyth Photographic Society located in their new meeting rooms in Waterloo Road and there began a very active period.
Key 'names' of that time were W.J. Swales, L. Wrigley, H.O.J. Bedgood and F. J. Taylor. In 1947 F. J. Taylor had work accepted for display by the R.P.S., as well as work exhibited in the Scottish International Salon and also in Belgium and Sweden.
From Society records it is evident that the Blyth Society of the 1950's supported the Federation and were also involved in inter-club competitions with Ashington, Morpeth and Whitley Bay.
In the 1961-1962 season, the Society's 25th year, Cine photography became a major part of the Society's activities with a separate night allocated for it. With the introduction and rapid acceptance of the Video Camera in recent years the Cine section has now declined, although skills in both Cine and Video photography continue to be available in the Society.
Possibly the most successful period of our history was between 1965 and 1976 when annual photographic exhibitions in both Still and Cine disciplines were held. The 'names' in the Society over this period were Miss A. Watson, W. Keenleyside, L. Towers and R. Allen; of course there were many others, but then there always are.
Like many Societies and Clubs our membership has decreased and our budget does not allow the hire of premises with sufficient space for a darkroom, as in the old days. Nevertheless we are still in existence, participating in the community, offering a friendly forum, to all ages, for photography as both an art and a hobby and competing, albeit not always successfully, in inter-club completions.
Recently we have purchased a Laptop and Digital Projector in keeping with other clubs as most of our members have now gone over to the Digital way of doing things. Times moves on, but our enthusiasm, camaraderie and friendship stays the same.
Stuart Air and Margaret Welsh