Ponteland Photographic Society: The Friendly Camera Club meets 21/09/26
A society which has been attracting local camera enthusiasts for nearly five decades is opening the shutters on its latest season this week.
Ponteland Photographic Society meets in Merton Hall every Monday evening at 7.30pm, running from 21st September through to Easter.
Members enjoy visiting speakers, workshops and friendly competitions, giving photographers of every level something to get their teeth into. Sessions typically wrap up by 9pm with a cuppa and a chance to swap ideas informally.
Nearly 50 years of local photography
The society held its inaugural meeting on 17th May 1978, when Geoff Willey was appointed the club's first Chairman. Arthur Covington later took on the role and held it continuously until his retirement from the committee in 2010, a run of leadership that earned both men Honorary President status. The current Honorary President is Mike Sadler.
Digital photography brought real change to the club. Under former Treasurer Frank Thomson, the society secured two Awards for All grants that funded projection equipment, laptops and editing software, helping members make the leap into digital work early. Membership has grown as a result and now sits at around 40, spanning complete beginners and experienced photographers alike.
A welcoming club for all levels
The society describes its core values as a friendly, welcoming atmosphere alongside genuine support for beginners through mentoring and workshops, paired with a push for members at every level to keep developing their craft. Newcomers can call in on any Monday and sit in on a meeting or two, free of charge and with no obligation to join.
For anyone who does want to sign up, annual subscription is £45, due at the start of the September season. Joining after Christmas brings the fee down to £20, and visitors attending a special event can pay a one-off £5. Over the summer months, informal get-togethers run on an ad hoc basis, with a £2 contribution towards the hall hire on the night.
Behind the lens
Competitions form a big part of the club's calendar, with member-judged and guest-judged rounds throughout the season covering everything from set subjects like still life to open categories for wildlife, travel and street photography. The club is also a member of the Northern Counties Photographic Federation, taking part in inter-club competitions against neighbouring societies.
Committee members bring a real range of backgrounds to the group. Some picked up their first camera as children, others came to photography later through travel or a chance invitation from a friend already in the club, and the shared thread running through it is a passion members are keen to pass on.
Get involved
Whether it's a lifelong hobby or a phone camera picked up out of curiosity, Ponteland Photographic Society welcomes anyone keen to learn, share and improve. Full programme details, committee contacts and membership information are available on the club's website.
Where: Merton Hall, Ponteland
When: Mondays, 7:30pm, September to Easter
Website: pontelandphotographicsociety.co.uk
Sources: Ponteland Photographic Society promotional flyer; pontelandphotographicsociety.co.uk (About the Club, Meet the Committee, Competitions pages)