Beacon Camera Club

Club History
The club was first formed in 1971. Our current club secretary, Peter Richardson, has been swotting up on the past as described by the club's committee documents. His account is offered below. If you were a member in the dim and distant past and can add anydetail to this, we would be pleased to hear from you....

Beacon Camera Club was formed by a group of photography enthusiasts in June 1971 following several years of pre-existence as “Barnards Green Cricket Club Photographic Group”. The formal launch of the new club took place on 9 th September 1971 at a Special AGM at the commencement of the first season. The club has always been based in Malvern, the club name originating from the Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point on the Malvern Hills. The fact that Beacon Camera Club rather than Malvern Camera Club was chosen seems likely to have been down to a desire for a name distinct from any previously used by photographic groups and societies within the town.

The club flourished during the early and mid 1970s, but in 1978 a sharp decline in membership led to consideration briefly being given to merging with another club in the area, and even the possibility of disbanding the club. However, the club survived this minor crisis and went on to thrive during the 1980s and 1990s, putting on regular displays and exhibitions of members' work. This situation has continued to the current day with average membership typically hovering at around the 40 mark. Throughout its long existence the club has always prided itself on the fact that it caters for photographers of all abilities, enabling members to develop their skills and interest in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Beacon Camera Club was formally recognised as a charity by HMRC in 2010. The club now has more than 60 members, having grown significantly during the past year, and meets at the Lyttelton Rooms in Malvern Town Centre. The club season runs from the beginning of September until the end of April.