CCC History: Inflation and Deflation - The 1990s
by Paul Bradley
by Paul Bradley
The end of the 1980s and the start of the 1990s saw nationwide inflationary pressure really kick in with Club membership fees increasing by an amazing 125% between 1988 and 1992. Membership naturally suffered and by 1991 the Junior Section had folded as they could not afford the fees. This was extremely unfortunate as the younger members are the future life blood of any Club.
1990 saw a new club screen ordered for £250 and more queries around the effectiveness and therefore future of the projector. Another addition to the Club equipment was the introduction of the folding Notice Board for club nights. Publicity was boosted by a visit from the Watford Observer who sent a reporter to attend a meeting. Croxley organised the Wycombe Cup that year, but success in competitions was hard to come by. The poor standard of prints submitted was particularly noted. It will be recalled that some A class members wished to be demoted to B class. After due deliberation by the Committee, all members of the A Class were reminded that they could be demoted to B if the standard of their work fell. Did this have an impact on the Most Unusual competition that year which had only three entries?
The Club was often invited to take photographs around the area. In 1990 these included the Amanda Theatre Group production of Kismet in Chorleywood and an invite by the Parish Council to capture local areas under threat of development such as Dickinson Square. Photos taken on such occasions as this and more regularly Ricky week were generally put on sale which contributed to the club funds, managed for the first time that year by Graham Laughton. Indeed Graham only relinquished the Treasurer post in 2006.
Thoughts were now turned to planning of the 30th anniversary of the Club, but in the end these were limited to a banner for display at the Revels. The printers even omitted the anniversary footer on the Club Programme. Domestically the trial of awarded points out of 20 to all entries was deemed a success and adopted, although the vote was far from unanimous. Work had started on the Hall too. Whilst meetings still took place, access was via the stage door for a few weeks. A larger building was the subject of the 1990 outing to Blenheim Palace. The weather seems to have been unkind as the subsequent set subject was “Rainy Day”!
The 1991 AGM saw the pressure on the Club increase when for the first time, probably since its inception, difficulty was encountered filling the Committee posts. By 1993 membership had fallen to just 39. It wasn’t just the fees of course, as advances in technology and alternative forms of entertainment were providing stern competition to the Club format generally – not just photography. Pressure too on the Annual Show as a fundraiser with the entry fee reduced to £1.50 to attract a larger audience. The Club started to seek alternative “accommodation” for the Revels as the caravan leant by Mr Watson was no longer available. The Rickmansworth Sea Scouts were approached but their marquee was too large.
1990 saw a new club screen ordered for £250 and more queries around the effectiveness and therefore future of the projector. Another addition to the Club equipment was the introduction of the folding Notice Board for club nights. Publicity was boosted by a visit from the Watford Observer who sent a reporter to attend a meeting. Croxley organised the Wycombe Cup that year, but success in competitions was hard to come by. The poor standard of prints submitted was particularly noted. It will be recalled that some A class members wished to be demoted to B class. After due deliberation by the Committee, all members of the A Class were reminded that they could be demoted to B if the standard of their work fell. Did this have an impact on the Most Unusual competition that year which had only three entries?
The Club was often invited to take photographs around the area. In 1990 these included the Amanda Theatre Group production of Kismet in Chorleywood and an invite by the Parish Council to capture local areas under threat of development such as Dickinson Square. Photos taken on such occasions as this and more regularly Ricky week were generally put on sale which contributed to the club funds, managed for the first time that year by Graham Laughton. Indeed Graham only relinquished the Treasurer post in 2006.
Thoughts were now turned to planning of the 30th anniversary of the Club, but in the end these were limited to a banner for display at the Revels. The printers even omitted the anniversary footer on the Club Programme. Domestically the trial of awarded points out of 20 to all entries was deemed a success and adopted, although the vote was far from unanimous. Work had started on the Hall too. Whilst meetings still took place, access was via the stage door for a few weeks. A larger building was the subject of the 1990 outing to Blenheim Palace. The weather seems to have been unkind as the subsequent set subject was “Rainy Day”!
The 1991 AGM saw the pressure on the Club increase when for the first time, probably since its inception, difficulty was encountered filling the Committee posts. By 1993 membership had fallen to just 39. It wasn’t just the fees of course, as advances in technology and alternative forms of entertainment were providing stern competition to the Club format generally – not just photography. Pressure too on the Annual Show as a fundraiser with the entry fee reduced to £1.50 to attract a larger audience. The Club started to seek alternative “accommodation” for the Revels as the caravan leant by Mr Watson was no longer available. The Rickmansworth Sea Scouts were approached but their marquee was too large.
Back l-r Bill Greenwood, Jim Richards, John Burgin, Graham Laughton, Frank Collins
Middle: Liz Philpott, Kath Howard, Alice Walmsley, Brian Hale, Monica Collins, Marie Hassell, Alan Sharp, Barry ?, Dick Hassell.
Front : Joyce Hale, Lesley Laughton, Hilde Sharp, John Philpott
Middle: Liz Philpott, Kath Howard, Alice Walmsley, Brian Hale, Monica Collins, Marie Hassell, Alan Sharp, Barry ?, Dick Hassell.
Front : Joyce Hale, Lesley Laughton, Hilde Sharp, John Philpott
The Club were often asked to provide members to judge local competitions. This included an approach from the PTA at Chorleywood School to judge their “Wild West” photographs produced by the children. Suffice to say every entry got at least a Highly Commended adjudication.
David Angell was appointed Vice President that year but had to relinquish his post due to business commitments in favour of Alan Sharpe. The Programme was under review with competition evenings increased this time from 11 to 12 (7 slide and 5 print). Not everyone was happy though and some comments at the AGM wanted fewer competition evenings – a recurring theme over the years.
There was no calendar produced in 1992 as Three Rivers had decided to pull out of the project at the last moment despite slides being requested and selected from the Croxley Club. The Club sought compensation from the small claims court as Three Rivers’ actions had denied Croxley the opportunity to produce their own edition – but this was unsuccessful. After some discussion the Club decided to fill the gap and produce a Calendar in 1993 along the similar lines. After all there was an established customer base and it fitted in very well, combining fund raising potential with the basic Club principles. There was concern about the funding for this project on Club funds but following interest free loan of £700 from a few members the project went ahead with 2500 sold at £2 each.
The Club reached the Rosebowl finals again in 1992 and supported the Revels. 1992 also saw an invitation to participate in the 1993 Rickmansworth Canal Festival. The Club had hoped to support this event but had to decline due to a lack of suitable prints to display on the towpath. The Club did take part in the Ektar 1000 Fast Film Challenge run by Kodak who supplied 20 free rolls of film for this purpose. Also that year came a strange request from Watford Council who were seeking expertise to reproducing photographs onto concrete blocks for a childrens play areas. The Club were unable to assist.
1993 saw the cost of the hall rise again to £5.50 per hour along with a detailed list of conditions and duties incumbent on the Club. Despite this, an extra four evenings were booked for the Studio Group. Internal rules that year saw the minimum size of prints reduced from 80 to 70 square inches and tea went up to 20p – incidentally it did not rise again for 13 years.
The Club attended the Revels but this time were unable to show slide work and so limited their display to prints held in a different caravan kindly loaned by the son in law of member Peter Gibbens. This was supplemented by an interesting display of old cameras. It was not possible to show prints at Croxley Library that year due to the building in Barton Way being razed to the ground by fire. On a happier note the Annual Show was the most profitable event since the 25th Anniversary Show.
Whilst not producing a Calendar in 1993, Three Rivers did publish their Official Guide and included seven images by Croxley Camera Club members – without permission. After representation by the Club to their Chief Executive, Three Rivers accepted liability and paid £100 for each picture used.
1993 also brought sad news. Founder member Dick Hassell who was 86 died. Future President Philip Santler and Kath Howard joined forces to produce a Memorial Album from some of Dick’s finest award winning slides loaned by his widow Marie. Phillip and Kath added details and obituary. The Album is kept in the care of Croxley Library and has been available for viewing on request ever since. The Colour Challenge Cup was renamed the Hassell Cup in Dick’s honour. The Club also lost popular stalwart and President elect Alan Sharpe that January.
David Angell was appointed Vice President that year but had to relinquish his post due to business commitments in favour of Alan Sharpe. The Programme was under review with competition evenings increased this time from 11 to 12 (7 slide and 5 print). Not everyone was happy though and some comments at the AGM wanted fewer competition evenings – a recurring theme over the years.
There was no calendar produced in 1992 as Three Rivers had decided to pull out of the project at the last moment despite slides being requested and selected from the Croxley Club. The Club sought compensation from the small claims court as Three Rivers’ actions had denied Croxley the opportunity to produce their own edition – but this was unsuccessful. After some discussion the Club decided to fill the gap and produce a Calendar in 1993 along the similar lines. After all there was an established customer base and it fitted in very well, combining fund raising potential with the basic Club principles. There was concern about the funding for this project on Club funds but following interest free loan of £700 from a few members the project went ahead with 2500 sold at £2 each.
The Club reached the Rosebowl finals again in 1992 and supported the Revels. 1992 also saw an invitation to participate in the 1993 Rickmansworth Canal Festival. The Club had hoped to support this event but had to decline due to a lack of suitable prints to display on the towpath. The Club did take part in the Ektar 1000 Fast Film Challenge run by Kodak who supplied 20 free rolls of film for this purpose. Also that year came a strange request from Watford Council who were seeking expertise to reproducing photographs onto concrete blocks for a childrens play areas. The Club were unable to assist.
1993 saw the cost of the hall rise again to £5.50 per hour along with a detailed list of conditions and duties incumbent on the Club. Despite this, an extra four evenings were booked for the Studio Group. Internal rules that year saw the minimum size of prints reduced from 80 to 70 square inches and tea went up to 20p – incidentally it did not rise again for 13 years.
The Club attended the Revels but this time were unable to show slide work and so limited their display to prints held in a different caravan kindly loaned by the son in law of member Peter Gibbens. This was supplemented by an interesting display of old cameras. It was not possible to show prints at Croxley Library that year due to the building in Barton Way being razed to the ground by fire. On a happier note the Annual Show was the most profitable event since the 25th Anniversary Show.
Whilst not producing a Calendar in 1993, Three Rivers did publish their Official Guide and included seven images by Croxley Camera Club members – without permission. After representation by the Club to their Chief Executive, Three Rivers accepted liability and paid £100 for each picture used.
1993 also brought sad news. Founder member Dick Hassell who was 86 died. Future President Philip Santler and Kath Howard joined forces to produce a Memorial Album from some of Dick’s finest award winning slides loaned by his widow Marie. Phillip and Kath added details and obituary. The Album is kept in the care of Croxley Library and has been available for viewing on request ever since. The Colour Challenge Cup was renamed the Hassell Cup in Dick’s honour. The Club also lost popular stalwart and President elect Alan Sharpe that January.
Instead 1994 saw the election of Philip Santler as the last President of Croxley Camera Club as one of his first acts was to propose, that the title of Chairman should be adopted thereafter. A membership rate was introduced at the same AGM for “Pensioners, Juniors and UB40” but had limited uptake. Marie Hassell was awarded Honourary Life Membership and an engraved glass vase in recognition of her service to the Club since its inception.
The Club were invited to take part in the inaugural Park Street Landscape Competition and a specific Ladies versus Gents competition was resurrected. Following a visit by Peter Jackman in 1994 on the subject “Joiners” the Club were inspired to introduce a “Small Prints” competition into the 1995 Programme. This is still a feature of the Club today and has been a part of the increased interest in and quality of print work now being entered.
Radical moves regarding the Croxley Revels too, as the Club no longer had access to a caravan and therefore leased a ten foot orange frame tent from the local Brownies. After its purchase for £50 the following year, the tent became a regular feature on the Green until 2006.
Also still popular was the Annual Show which sold out and had become an important element of the Croxley Green calendar. The Club were also invited to display work in the newly re-built library, still in Barton Way. Results were not so good in Inter Club competitions though, including the wooden spoon at the Wycombe Cup, probably a result of the falling contributions from the membership.
The Club were invited to take part in the inaugural Park Street Landscape Competition and a specific Ladies versus Gents competition was resurrected. Following a visit by Peter Jackman in 1994 on the subject “Joiners” the Club were inspired to introduce a “Small Prints” competition into the 1995 Programme. This is still a feature of the Club today and has been a part of the increased interest in and quality of print work now being entered.
Radical moves regarding the Croxley Revels too, as the Club no longer had access to a caravan and therefore leased a ten foot orange frame tent from the local Brownies. After its purchase for £50 the following year, the tent became a regular feature on the Green until 2006.
Also still popular was the Annual Show which sold out and had become an important element of the Croxley Green calendar. The Club were also invited to display work in the newly re-built library, still in Barton Way. Results were not so good in Inter Club competitions though, including the wooden spoon at the Wycombe Cup, probably a result of the falling contributions from the membership.
As noted the Calendar was still selling well despite a membership of only 34. Marie Hassell herself sold over 100 copies – from her wheelchair! Importantly, the libraries accounted for 40% of all sales with the end result being a healthy profit of £600 for Club Funds. The subjects in this issue were extended to Scenes and Places in SW Herts. However by 1995 some criticism was received by and from members regarding the subject matter of the calendar portraying “too much water” and “too many pubs”. The Committee noted that members should visit fewer pubs but as we did live in Three Rivers which also included the Grand Union Canal, water pictures were obvious subjects. They noted a balance had to be sought between the images offered by members and the marketability of the product. The calendar was now selling at £2 each although club quantity discounts were available. Its success certainly made a big difference to the funding position of the Club which by then would be unable to survive on subscriptions alone.
1995 saw the Club join the Croxley Green Society. Another “group” taking an interest in the Club was the Inland Revenue who advised that CCC was liable for Corporation Tax, probably on a retrospective basis. Advice was duly sought.
The Committee was also taxed with a number of other issues. Slides would be marked in future to ensure the permitted number of image entries was not exceeded. Set subjects would in future be drawn at the AGM. It was agree that replica trophies would be replaced by certificates but these would be presented at the AGM. A review of the Club equipment insurance took place with the decision to limit cover to items that “warranted replacement”. The Club was now able to offer equipment insurance to members and a discount card for the now defunct EFC photographic warehouse in West Drayton.
In view of the poor showing at recent external competitions it was decided to withdraw from the Wycombe Cup. Indeed it was noted that Croxley was becoming “more a social camera club than a photographic club” although it was unclear whether this was a positive or negative observation. It was encouraging therefore, albeit a surprise, that the Club won the second Park Street Landscape competition held at Haberdasher Aske School in Aldenham.
An exhibition of prints was held at York House School and the Annual Show and Calendar again sold out. A new headboard was produced for the Revels tent, although its secure fixing kept member occupied for quite a time on the day.
Domestically small prints continued to flourish and the Trickett Cup was re-designated to the winner of the Small Prints competition. A notable visitor to Club was Vic Priddle with his amazing stereoscopic images which seemed to jump out of the screen and into the first few rows of the audience. A couple of stand ins that year too with Bernard Fox covering a missing judge and Kath Howard acting as temporary print secretary as the Committee struggled along with only six members. Indeed the Club was also unable to provide a photographer to cover Ricky week. Local schools were approached to develop some interest in the Club without success. There was also a proposal to get involved with the newly installed local Bell Cable Media Community Board – but this also came to nothing at this time.
Membership was still dwindling in 1996 but 2000 calendars were sold and the Annual Show was again a success under the enthusiastic chair of Philip Santler. The cost of producing the Calendar had risen by 12.5% and so the cover price was increased to £2.20. A ticket for the Annual Show also rose for the first time in three years, to £1.50. The sell out audience was entertained with pictorial studies as diverse as Hot Air Ballooning to Manhole Covers! Indeed there were sufficient Club funds to allow for a donation to St Oswalds to replace the curtains in the Church Hall. It seemed appropriate as the Camera Club had to be a major beneficiary of an effective blackout capability. The Club also benefited from the kind donation of two GAF projectors with Imatronic slide dissolve system by former member Ernie Taylor. These have since been used for regular “Members Two Projector” evenings.
The 1996 AGM saw a Rule change reflecting the lower membership as the maximum entry for slide competitions rose from three to four images although only the first three counted for competition points. Also competition related was a reminder to members that judges made the interpretation of the set subject and were not guided by the Club. The digital medium was in its infancy but gaining in popularity and therefore controversy. Direction from the Chilterns Association about digital entries into competitions was left to individual Clubs which hardly cleared the murky waters. At least they directed that “Copyright of every element must be at the disposal of the author.”
1995 saw the Club join the Croxley Green Society. Another “group” taking an interest in the Club was the Inland Revenue who advised that CCC was liable for Corporation Tax, probably on a retrospective basis. Advice was duly sought.
The Committee was also taxed with a number of other issues. Slides would be marked in future to ensure the permitted number of image entries was not exceeded. Set subjects would in future be drawn at the AGM. It was agree that replica trophies would be replaced by certificates but these would be presented at the AGM. A review of the Club equipment insurance took place with the decision to limit cover to items that “warranted replacement”. The Club was now able to offer equipment insurance to members and a discount card for the now defunct EFC photographic warehouse in West Drayton.
In view of the poor showing at recent external competitions it was decided to withdraw from the Wycombe Cup. Indeed it was noted that Croxley was becoming “more a social camera club than a photographic club” although it was unclear whether this was a positive or negative observation. It was encouraging therefore, albeit a surprise, that the Club won the second Park Street Landscape competition held at Haberdasher Aske School in Aldenham.
An exhibition of prints was held at York House School and the Annual Show and Calendar again sold out. A new headboard was produced for the Revels tent, although its secure fixing kept member occupied for quite a time on the day.
Domestically small prints continued to flourish and the Trickett Cup was re-designated to the winner of the Small Prints competition. A notable visitor to Club was Vic Priddle with his amazing stereoscopic images which seemed to jump out of the screen and into the first few rows of the audience. A couple of stand ins that year too with Bernard Fox covering a missing judge and Kath Howard acting as temporary print secretary as the Committee struggled along with only six members. Indeed the Club was also unable to provide a photographer to cover Ricky week. Local schools were approached to develop some interest in the Club without success. There was also a proposal to get involved with the newly installed local Bell Cable Media Community Board – but this also came to nothing at this time.
Membership was still dwindling in 1996 but 2000 calendars were sold and the Annual Show was again a success under the enthusiastic chair of Philip Santler. The cost of producing the Calendar had risen by 12.5% and so the cover price was increased to £2.20. A ticket for the Annual Show also rose for the first time in three years, to £1.50. The sell out audience was entertained with pictorial studies as diverse as Hot Air Ballooning to Manhole Covers! Indeed there were sufficient Club funds to allow for a donation to St Oswalds to replace the curtains in the Church Hall. It seemed appropriate as the Camera Club had to be a major beneficiary of an effective blackout capability. The Club also benefited from the kind donation of two GAF projectors with Imatronic slide dissolve system by former member Ernie Taylor. These have since been used for regular “Members Two Projector” evenings.
The 1996 AGM saw a Rule change reflecting the lower membership as the maximum entry for slide competitions rose from three to four images although only the first three counted for competition points. Also competition related was a reminder to members that judges made the interpretation of the set subject and were not guided by the Club. The digital medium was in its infancy but gaining in popularity and therefore controversy. Direction from the Chilterns Association about digital entries into competitions was left to individual Clubs which hardly cleared the murky waters. At least they directed that “Copyright of every element must be at the disposal of the author.”
The Club had hoped to support the Hobbies and Leisure Exhibition at Watersmeet before it was cancelled. However Chairman Phillip Santler later won the print section of the Slough Arts Festival and the same year devoted his Chairmans evening to a tribute to the work of Dick Hassell.
On the publicity front the Club were added to the Hertfordshire Libraries Arts and Information database and at last Bell Cable Media transmitted information on the Club over their Community Notice Board pages though how many residents caught the transmission was unknown.
1997 was the 60th anniversary of our landlords – St Oswalds Church – who celebrated by rounding the cost of hall hire up to £6 per hour. At the Club, competition entries were falling and there were even spaces at the Annual Show. This Annual Show saw the use of a microphone supplied by Paul Lynham, for the Master of Ceremonies, so no excuses for nodding off in the back row. The Calendar failed to sell out despite the introduction of an initiative to dedicate a couple of Club Set Subject competitions to local seasonal views. However the decision to persevere was taken and saw an order for 2000 copies for the 1998 edition which now included subjects in Bucks and Middlesex.
The Rosebowl changed to a League rather than “Knock Out” format that year but without a change in Croxleys fortunes. We did well in the Landscape Cup again, this time finished third. Another new competition that year, won by member Joyce Haynes, was associated with the local Croxley Tennis Club with entries displayed in Croxley library.
Club initiatives included the purchase and distribution of photographic periodicals to members and the bulk purchase of slide film for the benefit of members. Neither initiative really got the support they warranted. At the Revels, Jim Richards caused much interest with his display of old cameras, as did the Mystery Bran Tub with the younger visitors.
The Club received the sad news that former Presidents Rex King and Bernard Fox had died. Bernard was not only a stalwart of the Croxley Club and been instrumental in introducing the Club Studio Lighting, but was a regular visitor in one capacity or another to other Clubs and Societies. On a happier note Graham Laughtons support of photography was rewarded with the prestigious PAGB Award for Meritorious Service.
Despite the 1998 Calendar subjects going further a field to include St Albans, Amersham and Denham (and less water!); it did not sell out, raising questions in Committee about the continuing viability of this project in view of the amount of effort required. The Club was still looking for new opportunities though and that September supported the Craft Fair on Croxley Green but not the Revels – one of the few years CCC were not involved in the June event. The Craft Fair was a success with 112 of the1999 Calendar sold.
Changes at St Oswalds too as the long delayed building work to extend the Hall eventually started in late July. This lasted until early September and had only a minimal affect on a couple of meeting nights. A new Trophy was introduced for the Ladies versus Gents Mix and Match – mainly because the original was lost by the Gents!!. A beautifully crafted wooden spoon mounted in apple wood was presented by Paul Bradley!!!
By the 1998/9 season Chairman Philip Santler was in poor health and meeting nights were run by David Angell and Graham Laughton. Paul Bradley took over as Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Show for the first time and the traditional Chairman’s Evening was conducted by our friends the O’Connors from Harrow Camera Club.
Whilst coming to many meetings and still winning competitions, Phillip reluctantly stepped down at the AGM which was chaired by Vice Chairman David Angell. A successor was not immediately forthcoming, but Paul Bradley stepped into the breach as an interim and has been in situ ever since as the longest serving Chairman to date. It was with much sadness that Phillip passed away on the12th of May.
1999 saw the club sponsor Club entries to the Slough Arts Festival but without our earlier success. The Club also sponsored Miss Tozer a student from Croxley Green to support an Exhibition associated with her University Degree Course. A number of Help and Advice evenings and an Open Forum were run including Graham Stannett demonstrating his successful LRPS Panel of Prints.
Graham also resurrected the Studio Group with Roy Vincent and David Brockwell which was initially based in a Scout Hut in Hope Green, Leavesden. Popularity increased when the Group transferred closer to home, to the Methodist Hall in New Road – just up the road from the site of the original Dickinson Guild House. This Group prompted a noticeable improvement in our print entry quality and quantity. Slides were on the up as well and the Club triumphed for the second time in the Park Street Landscape Cup that October.
Lesley Laughton continued to organise a summer break Photo Hunt and this year saw contestants despatched into the wilder parts of rural Middlesex (as was!). Thoughts also turned to organising a summer outing.
On the publicity front the Club were added to the Hertfordshire Libraries Arts and Information database and at last Bell Cable Media transmitted information on the Club over their Community Notice Board pages though how many residents caught the transmission was unknown.
1997 was the 60th anniversary of our landlords – St Oswalds Church – who celebrated by rounding the cost of hall hire up to £6 per hour. At the Club, competition entries were falling and there were even spaces at the Annual Show. This Annual Show saw the use of a microphone supplied by Paul Lynham, for the Master of Ceremonies, so no excuses for nodding off in the back row. The Calendar failed to sell out despite the introduction of an initiative to dedicate a couple of Club Set Subject competitions to local seasonal views. However the decision to persevere was taken and saw an order for 2000 copies for the 1998 edition which now included subjects in Bucks and Middlesex.
The Rosebowl changed to a League rather than “Knock Out” format that year but without a change in Croxleys fortunes. We did well in the Landscape Cup again, this time finished third. Another new competition that year, won by member Joyce Haynes, was associated with the local Croxley Tennis Club with entries displayed in Croxley library.
Club initiatives included the purchase and distribution of photographic periodicals to members and the bulk purchase of slide film for the benefit of members. Neither initiative really got the support they warranted. At the Revels, Jim Richards caused much interest with his display of old cameras, as did the Mystery Bran Tub with the younger visitors.
The Club received the sad news that former Presidents Rex King and Bernard Fox had died. Bernard was not only a stalwart of the Croxley Club and been instrumental in introducing the Club Studio Lighting, but was a regular visitor in one capacity or another to other Clubs and Societies. On a happier note Graham Laughtons support of photography was rewarded with the prestigious PAGB Award for Meritorious Service.
Despite the 1998 Calendar subjects going further a field to include St Albans, Amersham and Denham (and less water!); it did not sell out, raising questions in Committee about the continuing viability of this project in view of the amount of effort required. The Club was still looking for new opportunities though and that September supported the Craft Fair on Croxley Green but not the Revels – one of the few years CCC were not involved in the June event. The Craft Fair was a success with 112 of the1999 Calendar sold.
Changes at St Oswalds too as the long delayed building work to extend the Hall eventually started in late July. This lasted until early September and had only a minimal affect on a couple of meeting nights. A new Trophy was introduced for the Ladies versus Gents Mix and Match – mainly because the original was lost by the Gents!!. A beautifully crafted wooden spoon mounted in apple wood was presented by Paul Bradley!!!
By the 1998/9 season Chairman Philip Santler was in poor health and meeting nights were run by David Angell and Graham Laughton. Paul Bradley took over as Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Show for the first time and the traditional Chairman’s Evening was conducted by our friends the O’Connors from Harrow Camera Club.
Whilst coming to many meetings and still winning competitions, Phillip reluctantly stepped down at the AGM which was chaired by Vice Chairman David Angell. A successor was not immediately forthcoming, but Paul Bradley stepped into the breach as an interim and has been in situ ever since as the longest serving Chairman to date. It was with much sadness that Phillip passed away on the12th of May.
1999 saw the club sponsor Club entries to the Slough Arts Festival but without our earlier success. The Club also sponsored Miss Tozer a student from Croxley Green to support an Exhibition associated with her University Degree Course. A number of Help and Advice evenings and an Open Forum were run including Graham Stannett demonstrating his successful LRPS Panel of Prints.
Graham also resurrected the Studio Group with Roy Vincent and David Brockwell which was initially based in a Scout Hut in Hope Green, Leavesden. Popularity increased when the Group transferred closer to home, to the Methodist Hall in New Road – just up the road from the site of the original Dickinson Guild House. This Group prompted a noticeable improvement in our print entry quality and quantity. Slides were on the up as well and the Club triumphed for the second time in the Park Street Landscape Cup that October.
Lesley Laughton continued to organise a summer break Photo Hunt and this year saw contestants despatched into the wilder parts of rural Middlesex (as was!). Thoughts also turned to organising a summer outing.
With thanks to;
Paul Bradley (Chairman, Croxley Camera Club, 1999 to 2009 & May 2007)
Mike Loose
Croxley Camera Club
Paul Bradley (Chairman, Croxley Camera Club, 1999 to 2009 & May 2007)
Mike Loose
Croxley Camera Club