Penrith & District Camera Club

Founded in 1980 as Cumbria Constabulary Camera Club, there was also a Penrith Natural History and Photographic Society which folded in 1987. Membership of the CCCC expanded among the public and it became Penrith and District Camera Club, now meeting weekly at the Quaker Meeting House on Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. There is a full programme by guest speakers and members as well as competitions from September to April. Summer brings informal meetings and a monthly location shoot, as well as visits to shows and events around the area.

Photography is changing rapidly, with so many ways to communicate pictures to the public, friends and family using the computer, the TV, and the Internet, as well as CDs, DVDs and pen drives, over and above traditional prints and slides. All this, with evolving technology, can be carried out in the home environment. The Club has embraced change with enthusiasm and aims to keep up with all that is feasible without undue expense.

We stage exhibitions at Rheged Discovery Centre and Penrith Museum, and there is an Annual Exhibition held in Penrith Library. The Club has been awarded grants by Eden Arts, the Eden District Council Millennium Fund, and twice from the Lottery Fund 'Awards for All' scheme for community groups. The latter has funded comprehensive digital photographic equipment including laptop computer, digital projector, printers, compact camera, flat-bed scanner, other ancillaries, a PA system, and expendables. All this helps members to develop their 'digital darkroom' skills, and enables the Club to stage public workshops on digital photography and to take picture shows to charities, voluntary and community groups around East Cumbria.

A competition class for projected digital images will be introduced in 2009. Groups of members meet regularly to work on personal projects such as portfolios, albums, books, cards, photographic distinctions, and audio-visuals with sound effects, commentary and music on CDs played through a laptop and digital projector. It is planned to make a photographic record of the Penrith New Squares £80M major retail project as it evolves.

Inter-club competitions are held with other local clubs, the Club hosts NCPF and Royal Photographic Society (RPS) events, and we participate fully in NCPF competitions and workshops. The largest such event involves all eight clubs of the Western Area of the NCPF, consisting of a slide and print battle. Members also submit their work to many national and international competitions and exhibitions. The Club's winter season finishes with an Annual Dinner and Trophy Night.

All are welcome as members, guests and visitors. The Club is informal, friendly and there is always someone to help with any problem, whether as a beginner to photography or an experienced member struggling with digital challenges. Refreshments are served after each evening event, with the opportunity to talk to the speaker, judge or fellow members. Our website has been designed to give an impression of what we are and do. Come along and meet us!