Edmonton Camera Club started life as an advert on 16th February 1945, in the Tottenham and Edmonton edition of the Weekly Herald:

“Photography – Will amateur photographers (either sex) interested in the formation of a camera club in the Edmonton district, please communicate with Wilfred Barber ARPS, Town Road, Lower Edmonton”

As a result, twelve people contacted Mr Barber and an inaugural meeting was arranged for 5th March 1945. The clubs first headquarters was a classroom in Brettenham School at a cost of 5/-9d (26p) per night. It was lit by gas burners and the only electricity available was outside the room, reportedly in a very draughty corridor!

The first President was Mr Basil Bailey and membership to the club was limited to fifty people. The club met on a Monday and the entrance fee per night at this time was 2/-6 (12½p), with an annual subscription of 10/-6 (52½ p).

March 6th 1946 saw the club move to new headquarters at the Higher Grade School on the corner of Wilbury Way and Bull Lane, Edmonton, London N18. Meetings took place at one time in the chemistry lab, slides were 2.252” square and were monochrome. The facilities here were excellent

The school no longer exists and there are now homes at the location. However, soon afterwards on 15th April 1946, the club was almost wound up at a meeting, due to lack of internal support, but luckily the motion to do so was defeated.

On 17th September 1947, Edmonton Camera Club became affiliated to The Royal Photographic Society, which enabled the club to use the services of judges and lecturers attached to the Panel of the Central Association of Photographic Societies. The club had 25 members when affiliation was granted.

Mr Smeeton held the post of Treasurer for many years and gave the club a cup in 1949 the “Smeeton Cup” which was to be presented to a member, for outstanding photographic progress. This cup is still presented each year, at the Annual General Meeting.

In April 1950, Mr Bailey resigned as President due to business commitments and it was noted that his presidency had been full of enthusiasm. The Honorary Secretary, Mr G. Smith, took over. Around this time, membership increased to between 50 & 60 and the syllabus (programme) was compiled by the Assistant Secretary. The first edition of the club journal appeared too, recording the activities of the club and individual members.

The first fancy dress social event was held on 24th November 1951, photographic evidence of this is still in existence!

Edmonton also entered 20 prints in the North London Salon of Pictorial Photography 8th-15th November 1952 and had an exhibition in the Regal Cinema, which was opened by the Mayor of Edmonton. He later sent a letter to the club stating that he and the Mayoress had been impressed by what they had seen. The Regal went on to become a regular venue for the club to exhibit in.

Edmonton Camera Club was mentioned in the local newspaper on 20th March 1953, for an outstanding display of photographs and slides at the Edmonton Arts Council Day.

In June 1953, the club produced a Coronation issue of the Journal, which included poems and information about the first Elizabethan age.

In the late 1950’s, the club moved headquarters to Salisbury House, Bury Street West, using the ground floor lecture room for meetings.

At the 1960 AGM, it was noted that revenue was low and it was proposed that the subs be increased from 2/-6 to 5/-, the proposal was rejected.

The 15th Annual Exhibition was held in Edmonton Town Hall, with the judge concluding: “The colour section lacked artistry” You can’t please all the people all the time!

The 1961 AGM was asked that a tea break be built into club evenings. A tea break was granted!

During the early 60’s, the club became affiliated to the Borough of Edmonton Arts Council.

At a committee meeting around this time, it was suggested that the club held a weekly raffle for an item of photographic equipment, which was to be donated by a member of the committee- a good way to cut down on equipment!

In June 1966, the club became affiliated to the London Borough of Enfield Arts Council.

Over the years various complaints have been made periodically about the state of the club projector and the damage so nearly caused to the slides by it. The Arts Council helped out in the 1970’s by purchasing a new one for the club.

The club Journal/Magazine became A4 size in July 1975 having previously been A5. It was in this year that it was suggested that outings could include, a night trip along the Embankment, around the West End, a car rally, photos of Pub signs….it is not stated whether any photos actual got taken on this night!

An Applied Group was suggested in July 1975, a photographic record of an item to be taken at the highest possible technical standard.

1977 saw a boat race competition between Islington Camera Club and Edmonton for the: “Skull Duggery Cup! It occurred again in August 1978 and apparently high jinx ensued which included soaking each other with fire extinguishers!

In 1978, the Wheatsheaf Hall, Enfield was used for the Annual Presentation and Dinner Evening, which catered for 60 people. The outing was to Battle and Hastings this year and was noted for its usual Camera Club weather-wet.

1979 saw the origins of links with the Gibraltar Photographic Society. A slide battle was set up with Edmonton’s entries being sent to Gibraltar and being judged with their slides. The return match involved the same images being sent over and judged in Edmonton.

Gibraltar Photographic Society’s Chairman Mr Arthur Harper, and Secretary Mr Leslie Linares came to the UK on 23rd July 1979 and presented Edmonton’s President Derek Friggens with a plate and we presented them with a shield.

The Gibraltar Plate is still used to this day it is presented to the member with the highest number of Public votes for a print at the Forty Hall exhibition.

It was noted in the committee minutes of August 1980 that photographic images had been entered into the “Applied” section……..this was not to happen again!

In February 1980, the committee heard that on Studio evening, members were leaving at 9pm, it was agreed that money was to be collected from photographers earlier in the evening to ensure it could be collected from everyone!

The projector screen had been painted to freshen it sometime previously, but in spring 1980 it needed to be replaced.

On 17th October 1980, the Presentation Dinner was held in the Mandeville Suite at the Royal Chase Hotel, Enfield, the room cost £9 to hire. The 80’s saw the organising of numerous social events and outings, which despite inclement weather at times, were enjoyed by all.

In 1982, an outing was booked to Bath, it was noted that the club had 73 members, including 26 newcomers. Also this year the Secretary’s workload was discussed; help was requested with setting up equipment. History repeats every so often!

1983 ended a successful year for the Club, it had 82 members, the highest number ever and the enthusiasm of some of the members was said to be contagious The President at the time noted if ever the club was to do well in external competitions, this was it.

A stereo slide presentation in 1983 had such impact that at least 3 members bought themselves Mamyaflex cameras!

The darkroom was prepared for use at Salisbury House it was open for members to use Tuesdays to Fridays 7.30pm-10pm at a charge of 50p.

Edmonton Camera Club still met at Salisbury House in the 90’s, but had to move out on 28th October 91 for a period of time as renovations were carried out on the building. Meetings continued in the Keats room, Millfield House as a temporary measure with committee meetings being held at Ridge Library. A reopening event of Salisbury House took place with the club moving back in September 1992.

The club celebrated its 50th Anniversary in March 1995, and the special Anniversary Lecture was by International Landscape Photographer, Charlie Waite. This was held at Millfeld Theatre and was very successful. Funds were raised for the event by holding auctions, car boot sales, quiz evenings, coffee mornings, and sales of tee and sweat shirts. The club had 52 members at this time.

Coach outings and weekends away, formed a regular part of club life and a questionnaire was given to members, to ascertain which venues were most popular for future trips.

1st April 1999 saw the closure of Salisbury House so Edmonton Camera Club had to find a new headquarters. Millfield House was decided upon and relocation followed. The Keats room is our regular meeting place with a larger room being used when other clubs visit for battles. Millfield House is also popular as it has a bar!

The 1999/2000 club programme which crossed the millennium began with a slide and holiday print discussion evening. The autumn term also included a slide presentation by Don Byatt ARPS, DPAGB, BPE3* called “Some for me and some for the judge!”, slides of the high country of America by Dr Peter Bradham & an AV (audio visual) evening entitled “ A Tapestry of Light and Sound by John & Terri Sothcott.

The last evening of the 20th century was the Christmas social with a fun quiz and nibbles.

The year 2000 kicked off with another print and slide discussion evening, followed by a slide presentation” Down Mexico Way” by Ian Torrence. Theme competitions during the year included: A Splash of Colour, Communications, Sunrise/Sunset, Still Life, Sporting Action and Age.

2005 saw Edmonton Camera Club celebrate its 60th Anniversary, the club still runs on a Monday as it has since the 1940’s. To celebrate, along with usual round of lectures and competitions, a joint event took place with Loughton Camera Club, who also celebrated their 60th in this year.