The first half of the 2024-25 season at Alton Camera Club was a very positive one.

It welcomed seven new members and they got stuck in from day one, entering competitions and gaining high marks, attending field trips and even making the tea.

The club celebrated its members’ achievements, which included Paul Booker receiving a gold award from the Guild of Photographers for his image Kestrel.

It is at the midway point in its closely fought club print and projected digital image competition leagues, plus the challenge competitions which have produced some high scoring images.

Alton Camera Club’s most recent challenge competition, Moody, resulted in tens for Jacqui Austin’s The Night Train, Ian Bailey’s Don’t Push It, Wendy Davies’ Broody Apparition, Jason Bunce’s Swimming Ghosts and Kelvin Perry’s London Street.

A club spokesperson said: “We look forward to a varied programme of field trips, with outings to Salisbury, Chichester and Greenwich. Upcoming talks include The Changing Face of Alton by David Quick and Namibia by Ric Gillams. Our club competitions continue with challenges on Circles, Action and Portraits.

“Our membership fee has now reduced for the new year and we welcome new members at any level, from enthusiastic beginner to experienced professional. A fancy camera is not necessary; our members produce excellent images from mobile phone cameras too.”

The inaugural meeting of Alton Camera Club was held at the Alton Assembly Rooms on October 25, 1957 and attended by 30 enthusiasts. On that evening a committee was formed to draw up rules and a programme of activities. It soon became affiliated to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

The club meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm in Holybourne Village Hall. Visit www.altoncameraclub.org.uk for more details. The club is also on Facebook - search for Alton Camera Club - and on Instagram at @altoncameraclub