In a year when many clubs and organisations have struggled to keep going without regular, formal, face to face meetings, the AGM of Norton Radstock Photographic Society confirmed that the club was thriving, and that plans for the coming year are well underway.

Whilst the past twelve months have been very different, it has been a time of growth and change – a year in which they have picked up their cameras more, learned a great deal about the art, and forged new friendships when contact with others has been in such short supply.

The Chair’s report was very positive about the solid core of members who had taken part in all the organised activities in Lockdown. As the year has progressed, the enthusiasm has in fact grown, and the demand for contact with each other through the common interest that is our hobby has been heartening. Attendance at the AGM was good, members were enthusiastic about the year to come, and eager to contribute and support the elected Committee with ideas for competitions, trips out when allowed, as well as thoughts on venues and the future patterns of meetings.

Jill Toman was warmly thanked for her continued hard work as Club Secretary, and duly re-elected, as was the Chair, Jenny Short. The Treasurer, Dan Clarke, provided a very comprehensive and positive view of the financial situation and helpful suggestions as to how we can, in the coming year, keep to the planned budget.

Long standing members, Janice Cuer, Jane Richardson, and Suzanne Ladd were elected to the Committee, as was Pamela Bruce-Lockhart and new to the club in the past six months, Louise Bailey. It was a very positive AGM, followed by a Committee meeting to make a few decisions to aid Secretary, Jill Toman’s preparation of the Programme April 21 – March 22.

It seems sensible to continue with virtual meetings until such time as we are confident of the all clear, and we are looking forward to the presentation by Mike Hendon loosely entitled: ‘Water Splash photography and the like, using Gadgets in the Garage!’

Details of the next challenge, ‘Multiple Exposure’ will go on the website shortly and the photos from the last challenge are now in the gallery. Take a look – it’s quite an interesting selection.

Jenny Short