Twenty years of photography, friendship, creativity and memories — what a milestone to celebrate!
On Thursday evening, St Austell Camera Club came together for a very special occasion as we celebrated our 20 years of photography, friendship and creativity. It was wonderful to see such a good turnout of members, coming together to mark this important milestone and reflect on just how far the club has come since its very first meeting in 2006.
We were delighted to welcome some very special guests to help us celebrate, including Ethan Stephens, Mayor of St Austell, who joined us for the evening and gave a lovely speech to mark our anniversary. After what has been a busy summer, it was fantastic to have everyone back together, catching up with friends and fellow photographers, sharing stories and enjoying an evening of celebration.
Twenty Years of Memories
Twenty years is a remarkable achievement for any club, and ours has certainly seen plenty of changes along the way.
Photography itself has transformed enormously since 2006. We have moved through the transition from film to digital, seen huge advances in cameras and technology, and embraced the ever-growing possibilities of digital editing and image manipulation.
The way we take, process and share our photographs may have changed, but the reason we come together has remained remarkably constant — a shared love of photography.
Over the years, the club has evolved too. Competitions, talks, workshops, outings and social evenings have all played their part, giving members opportunities to learn new skills, try something different, share ideas and, most importantly, enjoy photography together.
Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the club is simply that we are still here, twenty years later. And that doesn’t happen without people.
From the Very Beginning
We are especially fortunate to have two honorary members, Hugh Pomroy and George Collings, who were there at that very first meeting in 2006.
Having them with us to celebrate twenty years later was particularly special. They are a wonderful link to the club’s beginnings and a reminder of the people who helped establish what we have today.
One of the highlights of our anniversary evening was a special slideshow put together by George, Hugh and Stephen, featuring photographs from across the club’s history. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane, bringing together some of the old film photographs from the early days of the club, alongside more recent digital images.
Seeing those photographs together was a great reminder of just how much photography has changed over the past two decades. From film cameras and traditional processing to today’s digital cameras and sophisticated editing software, the technology has moved on enormously — yet the passion behind the photographs remains the same.
A Celebration of Our Members
The anniversary evening wasn’t simply about looking back. It was also a celebration of the members who make the club what it is today. Members brought along a fantastic selection of prints to display, giving everyone plenty to look at while mingling and catching up after the summer break.
It was lovely to see such a variety of images, styles and subjects on display and to have the opportunity to chat about each other’s photography in a relaxed setting.
One of the things that makes a camera club special is that there is always something to learn from one another. Whether you’re just starting out with photography or have been taking pictures for many years, there is always another technique to discover, a new place to explore or an image that inspires you.
Our competitions have given members a chance to challenge themselves, while talks, demonstrations and practical sessions have introduced us to new techniques and different approaches to photography.
Our outings and day trips have been equally important, giving us the opportunity to get out with our cameras, discover new places and enjoy each other’s company.
Those experiences become the memories that make a club more than just a place to meet each week.
A Little Something to Celebrate With
Of course, no anniversary celebration would be complete without some good food!
We were treated to a fabulous anniversary cake, made by Sonya, which helped make the occasion feel even more special, and thanks to Prima Bakery, there were also plenty of delicious pasties for everyone to enjoy.
With photographs to look at, stories to share, a slideshow full of memories, good food and great company, it really was a wonderful way to celebrate twenty years of St Austell Camera Club.
A Club Is Only as Strong as Its Members
While cameras and technology may change, a successful club depends on its people.
Our members are the reason St Austell Camera Club continues to thrive. Their enthusiasm, willingness to share knowledge and encouragement of one another have helped create a friendly and welcoming environment where photographers of all abilities can enjoy their hobby.
From those just discovering photography to experienced photographers continuing to develop their craft, there is always something to learn and someone willing to share an idea.
Over the past twenty years, countless people have contributed to the club’s story. Some have been members for many years, while others have joined more recently. Every committee member who has given their time, every member who has entered a competition, attended a talk, organised an outing, helped at an event or simply encouraged another photographer has played a part in keeping the club going.
And, of course, there have been an awful lot of photographs taken along the way!
Thank You to Our Local Supporters
Our anniversary is also an opportunity to recognise the wonderful support we have received from our local community over the years.
Our current home is St John’s Hall in St Austell, and we were delighted to invite some members of the St John’s Hall Trust to join us for our anniversary celebrations. It was an opportunity to thank them personally for welcoming us to the hall and for looking after us as a club. Having a regular and welcoming venue where our members can meet each week is something we greatly appreciate.
Community clubs rely on the generosity and goodwill of those around them, and we are incredibly grateful to the local businesses who have supported St Austell Camera Club, whether through sponsorship, donations, helping with events or providing services at a reduced cost.
We would particularly like to thank British Lithium & Imerys, St Austell Brewery, Clemens Camera, Bookers, Prima Bakery and Steve Jennings for their support and generosity.
We would also like to thank Lex Designs, who support the club by providing us with a valued discount on their services.
The support we receive from local businesses and our community makes a real difference to a community organisation such as ours and helps us continue to provide opportunities and activities for our members.
We are very grateful to everyone who has helped the club along the way.
Looking to the Next 20 Years
Thursday evening wasn’t just about looking back. It was also about looking forward.
The world of photography will undoubtedly continue to change. Cameras will become more advanced, editing software will evolve and new technologies will give photographers possibilities that we could hardly have imagined when the club began in 2006.
But whatever happens, we hope the heart of St Austell Camera Club remains the same. A place where people can meet, learn, create, share and enjoy photography together.
Twenty years ago, a small group of people came together with a shared interest in photography. Two decades later, that idea has grown into a club with a history, a community and plenty of memories. So, to everyone who has been part of St Austell Camera Club over the past 20 years — whether you were there at the very beginning, joined along the way, or have only recently become a member — thank you.
This milestone belongs to all of you.
Thank you for the photographs, the laughter, the encouragement, the friendship and the countless memories. Here’s to 20 years of St Austell Camera Club — and to the photographs, friendships and adventures still to come.
Happy 20th Anniversary, St Austell Camera Club!