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The Society was formed by a group of local enthusiasts in 1978, with the first Inaugural Meeting held on May 17th. 1978. Mr T Geoff Willey was appointed Chairman. Subsequently, discussions on the possibility of joining the Northern Counties Photographic Federation caused a reconstitution of the Committee and for 1979-80 Geoff Willey moved into a new position of President (and is still today our Honorary President) and Arthur Covington became Chairman, a post he has held since.
The 2008-09 Season represents the Society’s 30th anniversary year and we have a special lecture on 9 March 2009 to mark this milestone.
Over the years, the Society has seen many changes in photography, none more so than with the introduction of digital imaging. The Society was quick to embrace this new technology, and was one of the first local clubs to adopt digital as the main focus of the programme. It also took the initiative to help establish and run digital photography courses for local people.
Two substantial “Awards for All” Grants enabled the purchase of digital projection equipment, laptop computers and photo software, and this has completed the transformation of the Club into the digital age.
Membership has increased significantly as a result of these changes and is now approaching 40 members, covering both digital beginners and more experienced photographers.
MEETINGS
The Society meets in the large room at Merton Hall in Ponteland Village on Monday evenings. Click here for a map. Meetings start at 7.30pm and usually finish around 9.30pm. Speakers and Workshops usually end just after 9.00pm and we then break for coffee/tea and informal discussion, so there is plenty of time for problem solving and an exchange of news and ideas. During the summer we meet on a monthly basis.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
The annual subscription is £30, payable at the start of the Winter season (October). Prospective new members are welcome to attend a couple of meetings before committing to membership. Members joining after Christmas pay a reduced fee of £15. At present, membership entitles a partner to join at no extra cost. Informal meetings may be held monthly during the summer months, when a contribution of £1 per night from those attending helps to defray the hall rental costs.
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