Dunchurch Photographic Society receives letter from King Charles for 50th anniversary
Dunchurch Photographic Society has received a special letter from King Charles III congratulating the club as it begins its 50th anniversary year.
The letter from the King provided a particularly memorable highlight as members gathered for the Society’s first meeting following the summer break — and the first meeting of its golden anniversary season.
The milestone was also marked by the attendance of Councillor Nooria Sayani, Mayor of Rugby, and Ralph Duckett, President of the Midland Counties Photographic Federation (MCPF), who joined members and visitors for the special evening.
The royal letter congratulated the Society on reaching 50 years, adding an extra sense of occasion to celebrations that mark five decades of photography in Dunchurch.
There was a strong turnout for the anniversary opening, with established members joined by a particularly encouraging number of visitors and potential new members.
Society chair Mark Ellis welcomed everyone and outlined an exciting programme for the anniversary year.
Alongside the society’s regular competitions, visiting speakers, practical evenings, inter-club events and member-led activities, there will be special occasions celebrating its history and achievements since its foundation in 1976.
The evening also saw the return of the popular Summer Challenge. Members were asked to produce photographs during the summer break, with the unusual twist that the entries were judged by the audience rather than a photographic judge.
David Bray took the honours with the winning projected digital image, while David Hillard was the successful photographer in the print section.
The Society has witnessed enormous changes in photography during its 50 years, from film and darkrooms to digital cameras and sophisticated editing software. Yet its central purpose remains unchanged — bringing together people who enjoy photography, sharing knowledge and encouraging photographers of all abilities.
The anniversary meeting demonstrated that the society remains in good health, with new faces joining long-standing members to celebrate its remarkable milestone.
Anyone interested in photography is welcome to visit the Society.
No previous club experience or expensive equipment is required, and visitors can attend a meeting before deciding whether to join.
Receiving a personal congratulatory letter from the King has provided a fitting start to a very special year for Dunchurch Photographic Society — celebrating 50 years of its past while looking forward to the next chapter.
For more information about the Society and forthcoming meetings, visit the Dunchurch Photographic Society website here dunchurchps.com/dps-wp/