About Henfield Camera Club
The main objective of Henfield Camera Club is to encourage and support members, whatever their level of photographic ability and experience, and to help them enjoy their photography
Our club was formed in 1963, when members were working mainly with black and white prints and 35mm slides. Today, over fifty years later, all of our members work with digital equipment, using a variety of different cameras, including DSLRs, compacts, bridge cameras and even iPhones.
Some members do their own printing and print mounting, and if this is something you have not done before, help is at hand.
Our programme runs from mid-September to the end of May, with occasional ‘out and about’ meetings throughout the year.
Meetings are held fortnightly, at 7.30pm on a Friday, in the hall at the rear of the Evangelical Free Church, High Street, Henfield (BN5 9DP). There are two car parks located within a short walking distance.
There is a modest annual subscription of £20 for Full Members (those wishing to enter competitions) and £10 for Social Members. In addition, there is a small attendance fee of £3 per evening, with guests paying £4. Tea and coffee is provided.
Our programme includes invited speakers, demonstrations, practical work and social activities, including an annual dinner. In addition, we hold a number of competitions, both open and set subjects, to enable you to show your images and have them appraised by experienced, qualified external judges.
Henfield Camera Club has always had the reputation of being one of the friendliest clubs in Sussex. So why not come along and see for yourself? Visitors are always welcome.
A brief history of Henfield Camera Club
The notion of Henfield Camera Club was conceived in 1964 when the following entry appeared in the Horsham Press.
“It is hoped to form an amateur Camera Club. Would anyone interested, over 15 years, attend a General Meeting at Bay Tree Cottage, rear of Mussons, on Wednesday, October at 7.30pm. MH”
The initial meeting of the club took place at the Henfield Club in Cagefoot Lane. Later meetings were held in the Parish Room. The railway link between Henfield and Partridge Green was in existence back in 1964, and members from Partridge Green were provided the opportunity of a lift from the station by fellow member Mr Attwood, who lived at Brookview, Lower Station Road. The pattern of meeting every second Friday was then established and continues to the present day.
Back in 1964, film was the medium by which most photographic images were captured, and early meetings covered talks and discussions on colour prints from negatives, colour transparencies, etc. Local artists were invited to talk about composition – still highly relevant, of course. To build an interesting, relevant and varied program, members were invited to forward written suggestions for future club activities, talks, etc. Competitions have always been part of the club’s programme, with animals being one of the first to occur.
The original committee comprised Mr Forsday and Mr Simmonds, who served in the role of General Secretary for three years. Mr Ridgeway was treasurer for the original committee with Mr Snow as competition secretary. Thereafter, over the next few decades, as the club grew, the roles of vice chairman, programme secretary and publicity officer were created.
Commitment to the club by members and committee members was demonstrated by the long tenure in posts, notably Frank Whitehead, who served as General Secretary from 1987 – 2007, Mr Ryall serving as General Secretary 1966-1969 and 1975-1984, Mr Jury as Treasurer and/or Competition Secretary for the better part of 1966-1988, Mr Watkinson who served in a variety of roles for twelve years between 1974 and 1986 and David Barratt who served for 19 years. Several other members served ten years or more including Mrs Clawford, Peter Crook and Ian Betts.