This season has been very successful with an increase in membership, some new to photography and others highly experienced. Members have also shown great enthusiasm for displaying and viewing work at club competitions and a strong desire to improve photographic techniques as seen by the increased numbers that have joined the Digital and Monochrome group monthly meetings
Our success in external competition reached new heights when we won the PAGB Inter-Club Print Championship trophy. The competition took place at Connah’s Quay during October 2007 where Amersham beat 980 other clubs from around Great Britain to win this highly prestigious event for the first time.
Member communications have been enhanced with the introduction of a monthly email newsletter and there has been ongoing development of the website to include additional member galleries, outing galleries and most recently the introduction of a message board.
The club is at an advanced stage in plans to update the digital projection equipment to improve projected image display quality and be compatible with new standards being introduced for inter club Digital Projected Image competitions next season.
Awards for success within club competitions have been updated with most cups being replaced by custom designed medals that winners will be able to keep and treasure.
This season has also seen an increase in the number of members holding their own print exhibitions, a move that should be encouraged as it provides an opportunity to have photographic work seen by a wider audience.
The increased activity has introduced some interesting challenge; additional print numbers submitted for competition have presented judges with a daunting task and the number of people attending meetings has resulted in difficulties in moving around the meeting hall.
Changes to competition rules have been introduced in to enable competitions to be manageable and print display boards removed to make the accommodation more comfortable. After much discussion on the issues a members’ mandate was passed for the club to move to a larger venue rather than constrain membership and activities within the current meeting hall.
As we draw to a close on this eventful and successful season we are financially sound and can look ahead to 2008/9 in a larger venue enabling the members to enjoy more space in which to pursue their common interest in this absorbing world of photography.
John Harrison
Chairman