WOOLER AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB (Published March 2005)
Wooler and District Camera Club came into being in 1960 when a dozen or so photography enthusiasts began meeting regularly in a back room of the Angel Inn. They were a mixed group of local men with a wide diversity of occupations but they all shared a passion for taking pictures. It was not long before increasing membership - under the Chairmanship of the Rev. A V Wills - needed more space and the Club moved to the Loretto Hotel for their fortnightly meetings.
A dark room was set up. Club outings became a popular feature, promoting the social side of the Club as well as providing a diversity of photographic opportunities. Cine was a great thing in those days and in this field the Club acquitted itself extremely well as members of the North East Cine Association, winning many awards. The Club moved premises yet again to the Community Centre (now a church) and now meet in the Glendale Hall.
John Cowing became Chairman in 1961; a man of many talents who remained in office until his death in 1996. George Logan then took the reins until he too, very sadly died after a long illness. Today's Chairman, Raymond Beston, is a human dynamo, brimming with enthusiasm and energy.
Membership remains steady around the 50 mark and there is still a very strong social side within the Club. The "crack and the cuppa" are still very important!
Competitions are well supported - colour prints, monochrome, colour slides and, of course, A/V shows and Cyril Gutheries' wonderful video productions. The Club enters competitions over a wide area - and members continue to get good results in very challenging competitions. Moving, albeit cautiously, with the times a new trophy has been donated this year to provide a showcase for the more inventive photographers! It is hoped this will stimulate and encourage unusual images, including digital, multi-exposures, slide sandwiches, montages - literally "anything goes".
Wooler Camera Club also like to be considered as part of the very strong community life in the town, a permanent display of black and white pictures adorns the walls of the Cheviot Centre, the doctor's surgery in Glendale Road have a collection of colour prints as part of the décor. These are changed every few months. Glendale Trust also encourage exhibitions on the High Street several times a year. This is all good for the Club members. And, again moving with the times - there is a gallery of pictures on the Website.
A busy Club, with lots going on.
Penny Lancashire, Secretary.