Two members of Conwy Camera Club shared first place in the public vote at the club’s Open Day on 6 September. See below for our video about the event.
A display of 50 new prints was the centrepiece of the Open Day, and visitors were asked to choose their favourite. In total, 165 votes were placed in the ballot box.
In first place were Michelle Johnson, for her image ‘Sleepy Head’, and Sarah Horrocks, for her creative depiction of a street in Chester. They are pictured receiving certificates from club chair Bob Gresty (Michelle on the left).
Michelle has been a club member for less than a year. She began to attend meetings with her husband John a year ago, and signed up soon after. She lives with autism and currently has mobility issues. Apes and monkeys are her favourite subject, and her photo of people standing behind a waterfall was much admired in the club’s summer print display at Conwy Culture Centre.
Sarah joined the club in 2015 and quickly found that everyone was friendly, encouraging and willing to share skills. She has made many new friends there and has served on the club committee for many years. She is currently the general secretary.
The Open Day celebrated the club’s 80th anniversary and was opened by Councillor Gary Willetts, the Mayor of Conwy. The event included a presentation of images from the club’s archive, projected audio-visual presentations and a display of old cameras by Cambrian Photography of Colwyn Bay.
The results of the public vote were revealed at the first Tuesday evening meeting of the new season. Also during the evening, Martin Neale was presented with a special award on his retirement from the committee, following years when he worked tirelessly to increase the number and quality of the club’s practical workshops and outings.
Barbara Occleshaw received flowers to mark her own 80th anniversary. Prizes were presented to the winners of the club’s annual Conwy Town Photographic Challenge, where members receive a list of seven topics to photograph in the given sequence in an allotted time.