1930

The President again this year was Mr JC Thompson. The opening session this year was entitled “Hadrians Wall”, loaned from the Royal Photographic Society. The RPS over the years have produced a number of lectures that could be borrowed by clubs. The lecture consisted of a supply of prints or slides with a written script, which members could read out alongside the relevant work, later these scripts were to be put onto tape, although it was felt to be rather cold as there was no emotion on the tape. On one occasion the club sent a collection of prints to the RPS, for them to provide a commentary, this was then made available for other clubs to use.

Another intriguing talk was on “Antiques” by HA Leonard form Winchester. The talk was about antiques; what made something antique; why we need antiques; how to photograph antiques; Whilst it, on the surface, is perhaps not something that would normally be expected for a Camera Club lecture, it was received with great enthusiasm.

Colour photography is beginning to filter through to clubs ever increasingly. The first of two lectures this season, both sponsored by large companies, was called “Colour in Photography”. The lecture was given by a representative of Burroughs Welcome Limited, and it was aimed at the home processor. This market had shown a steady increase in recent times, with more members attempting to produce more of their own work. The Company gave the Club four (4) sets of colour chemicals to be raffled or whatever amongst the members.

The second lecture “Using colour film”, was given by HC Messer of Agfa Limited. This was a talk on using colour film to its best advantage. Many useful tips were given on the best use of the film. They did advise that all colour film was best kept in the dark, if exposed to bright light for long periods, there was a danger of fading.
Agfa gave the Club a dozen rolls of their latest film. According to reports, both evenings were received by members with great interest and tremendous enthusiasm, some of whom were the proud owners of the despised “Toys” (see last year).

1931

This year sees Jasper Thompson once more in the “chair”.
The Burroughs Welcome Company gave two talks this season. The first was on the “Oleobrom Process”, a modification of the Bromoil process. It was claimed to be easier to use and more flexible. Members showed a lot of interest, with many questions being asked. During the 1920’s and 30’s, Bromoil was extremely popular as it gave a person the control to create something entirely individual.

The other was about Films, Plates and Papers, and was very well received by the members. The Burroughs Welcome Company, produced a very comprehensive range of materials aimed at the amateur worker. (Buck: I recall in my early days in the club, members called the company the “Aspirin” firm. This was because mast of their chemicals came in small bottles with small aspirin sized tablets. I used the myself extensively, prior to mixing up my own.)
Burroughs Welcome ended the evening with a very popular gesture, a supply of Films, Papers, Plates and Chemicals. The President, realising the treasure for what it was, instituted a ‘rationing system to ensure fair distribution.

There was no Christmas Party this year, although a social evening was held in St Judes Church Hall. It was noted that a number of meetings were held there, which does seem strange as apparently the club premises were excellent. (Buck: If only there was more information about these anomalies).

“Copying Prints” by the President. Proved to be a really first class evening, Jasper is very well known in this Club and others for making things from the most unlikely of materials, the members were not disappointed. He gave a very clear talk showing members the easiest way of going about copying. He stressed that it was important to match the plate with the subject to be copied. One tip still in use today, on any yellow or brown stained prints, by using a deep yellow filter the stains disappeared.
In voicing the thanks of the Club, Rex Verry told members that the evening could well have been titled “Do it yourself”, he had been fascinated by the home made gadgets that Jasper had used.

1932

This years President was Major EC Whittle.
“Printing and Enlarging, Criterion Papers”, by Club Member T Manby. Materials with a commentary supplied by Criterion, this, as all practical evenings, proved to be very interesting. It was obvious that Mr Manby had done his “homework” on the commentary. The President went through the commentary to help Mr Manby, but it proved unnecessary, although it caused quite a lot of levity as they bantered between themselves. A feature of the evening was a supply of paper for the members. The President held a raffle to ensure a fair distribution among the members.

“Paper Negatives” by Major Whittle. This needed a special enlarger. Buck used one of these during the war. They had a charm of their own. If one became available he would be sorely tempted to acquire it.

Another evening that one doesn’t see now was the Amateur Photographer Prize slide collection. This was made available to Photographic Clubs. Unfortunately, there was a lot of competition among these clubs for them. It was a great experience if you were lucky enough to get a set.
 
“Night Photography” by Ilford Limited. This was on Lantern Plates and was an exciting evening. The members saw some superb shots that were much appreciated. The climax of the evening was when Ilford gave every member a roll of high speed film.
It’s a funny thing, whether it was the climate, the slump in 1930, but during the past year or so, companies were only too glad to come along and talk or demonstrate their wares, and hand out some goodies.

1933

As the historian of the club, January 9 1933, is a fantastic date for me. It is the presence of an original Minute Book, previous ones having been destroyed in the 1939-1945 rumpus. With the minutes it gives one a better chance of recording the history of the club, we have something to build on. It would seem from the minutes that 1933 was an interesting year. At the meeting on the 9th, it was reported by the Treasurer that the total cash resources were £4.7s.lOd (£4.39p)

For the Annual Exhibition, Ilford Limited had agreed to place an advert on the back of the entry form, paying a fee of £1.00 for the privilege. They also agreed to advertise on both sides of the back cover of the catalogue for a fee of £3.00.

June 1933

An Extraordinary General Meeting was called over the lack of suitable premises. A proposal was put forward on the possibility of using Cumberland House as the new Headquarters. It was agreed that providing a satisfactory arrangement regarding a tenancy could be achieved, we would move there. The Secretary would pursue the matter.

August 1933
The financial state of the club deteriorated in the 1930’s. According to Cecil Davies (a member at the time), the club would hold raffles, run whist drives, rummage sales, social evenings and even a dance or two to try and make some money.
This is the state of affairs in August of this year:-
The sum of 17s/l0d (89p) in hand, 5s/3d (27p) in the Bank.
The sum of £5.9s.6d (£5.48p) owing to Proctor & Co.
The sum of £1.00 owed by Ensigns Ltd (Advertising).
A profit of £4.4s.7d (f4.20p) from the exhibition.
That was the sum total of the clubs finances.

August 29 1933
The Tow Clerk had written to the Club Secretary regretting that no permanent tenancy of Cumberland House was possible. However, the club could use the lecture room from 29 September until 25 December, free of charge, whilst they looked for new premises. It would appear that the owner of the current premises, Mr Pearce, wanted to re-let the rooms to someone else.

October 1933

Further correspondence from the Town Clerk, informed the committee that the Cumberland House tenancy had not yet been finally decided. I appreciate that these notes are probably boring to some people, but, I feel that this shows some of the difficulties that the club were going through. No quarters and very little money.

November 1933

The Secretary informed the Committee, that Mr Pearce had offered a new lease at a rate of £40.00 per annum, payable quarterly, it was now upto the club to pay the rent. (did this mean up until this time they had not paid for their accommodation). The thought of paying £40.00, must have been a bit daunting, bearing in mind the financial difficulties.
One last item, the Cine Club offered to join up with the Camera Club, this was agreed, although any change to the Club’s name would have to wait until the next AGM.

1934
April 1934
The Secretary reported that a profit of £3.18s.0d (£3.90p) had been made on the social evening. He thanked all those concerned in the running of it.
Mr Davey proposed that the amateur section in the Annual Exhibition be abolished, through lack of support.
The question of medals arose for the exhibition. It was agreed that the secretary obtain quotations for six (6) Silver and six (6) Bronze medals, up to a limit of £4.l0s.0d (£4.50p).

1935

The Western Advertising Company offered to supply a film programme which would contain some advertising material. All apparatus and expenses would be borne by them, providing, there was an audience of 150. The evening contained a most interesting programme, was held at St Judes Church Hall and was a great success. A raffle was held which supplied some very welcome funds for the club.

September 1934
Commander JH Bowen presented a lecture on the Development of the Port of Portsmouth.
This proved to be a superb evening, illustrated by Prints and Lantern Plates. The Commanders knowledge of the subject plus his highly jocular manner made it an evening to be remembered.

October 1934
Correct development by the Azol method.
Azol produced by Johnsons Limited, was a very popular developer, and a very good one. Provided it was used properly, exceptionally fine results could be obtained. THIS APPLIES TO ALL DEVELOPERS RIGHT UP TO THE PRESENT DAY.
As has become usual these days, there was a supply of the BREW for every member present, accompanied by a fact sheet.

November 1934
Mr Worley (later Lord Mayor) told the committee that he could purchase 40 secondhand cinema chairs for £6.00. The secretary was instructed to look at the chairs and if they were satisfactory, to acquire them.
It was agreed that the club room could do with re­decorating, labour being provided by the members during the summer, all materials being supplied by the club.

Finally the Easthope family, who published the local News, presented a cup for the best news picture of the year.

January 1935

Infra-Red Photography presented by Ilford Limited.
Although Infra-red photography had been around for many years, it was only now going to become available to the amateur. It was explained that Ilford were in the process of producing the film, and that they wanted to explain what it was all about. Although there was a special filter produced, a dark red filter would do quite well. The big problem was that it was subject to being fogged by white light. Users must ALWAYS load the film in subdued light. Very strange results could be expected by the users. It was hoped that the film would be available within the next six months.

Another item refers to the Annual Exhibition awards. It was agreed that the number of Silver and Bronze medals to be awarded would depend on the number of entries. The Presidents award would go to the exhibitor who gained the highest marks in the classes, provided that they had one a Silver medal.

The Committee agreed that the old enlarging lantern be sold to Mr Ashley for 15s0d (75p), and that the stand be sold to Mr Eccles for l0s0d (50p). Big Deal!!!
There is a mention in the programme of Bertram Hutchings, from the Winchester Camera Club, a very likeable fellow. He was always willing to assist anybody. If you wrote to him with a problem, it usually meant an invite to tea. (Buck: I remember that he gave a talk on mounting transparencies after the Second World War. Now bear in mind that slides were returned unmounted. The means of mounting was two 2 x 2 pieces of glass, taped together with ‘passe-partout’. with properly mitred joints. Well now Bertram was a perfectionist. He took TWENTY minutes to mount one slide, holding it at an angle in a beam of light so as to see any dust.
After the break he asked for volunteers to have a go, and it was very amusing watching them struggle. Bertram had a very ready wit, and helped to make the evening a spectacular one).

October 1935
Talk by Ilford on Panchromatism.
The speaker was Mr A Harding, who had a very humerous way of talking. He said that the new emulsion would revolutionize picture making, and stated firmly that the new emulsion would become universal. He ended the talk answering a barrage of questions from members, and then presented a roll of film to every member before leaving.

A full description of an event that occurred in 1935 follows:­
The Secretary produced a letter and a Hire Purchase agreement received from Mr JC Thompson.
Mr Thompson stated in his letter that the club had agreed to pay interest for the use of the Lantern until purchase was completed, but nothing had been paid since 1929. He now desired the matter to be regularised and provided the club entered into an agreement to purchase the Lantern, he was prepared to waive any claim he might have for interest not paid.
The terms of the agreement were, that the Lantern (described as second hand but condition as new) was to be hired at a charge of ten shillings, (50p), to be paid on the signing of the agreement and a charge of fifteen shilling, (75p) per quarter following. When 12 quarterly payments had been made, the Lantern was to be deemed the property of the club.

The Secretary stated that according to the Club records, no agreement had been entered into by the club to pay Mr Thompson any interest for the use of the Lantern and that in fact, apparently no definite arrangements had been made with regard to its purchase.

After discussion, Mr Davey proposed and Mr Medwav seconded and it was resolved, that the agreement sent by Mr Thompson for the purchase of the Lantern be signed on behalf of the club provided Mr Thompson agreed to the following alteration, viz, that the description of the Lantern in the schedule be amended so as to read ‘second hand but in good condition that the payment of ten shilling, due on the signing of the agreement and the first quarterly charge of fifteen shillings, be deemed to have been made by the club delivering to Mr Thompson the sum of four shillings (20p) together with the clubs receipt for twenty one shillings, one guinea or £1.05p), the latter sum being Mr Thompsons Annual Subscription to the club, now due and payable but not paid, and that a signed duplicate of the agreement be delivered to the club.
This was signed by Mr Manby.

1936
March 1936
A Miss Layard FRPS, whose name appears on the committee for the first time, was a backroom worker, who specialised in photographing animals
and birds. She was a very quiet and unassuming person, with a fund of knowledge about photography, that she was willing to impart on a one to one basis.

Two letters in correspondence of interest: are from two members in which they relinquish any claim to monies lent to the club. They were from a Miss Fletcher 2s/6d (13p) and Mr Scadden £1.00.

The lady employed to clean the clubroom was no longer available and so, the secretary told the committee that a replacement had been found at the cost of 7s/6d (38p) per session. This does not seem very much now, but when you consider that the treasurer reported income over expenditure amounted to approximately £11.00, it would have been a great chunk out of the finances. These figures seem silly when one considers today’s prices, but it is all relative.

April 1936

At the Annual General Meeting, no replacement could be found for the treasurer Mr Scott. It was therefore decided “that H Coker, the secretary, be authorised to sign all cheques on the banking account of the club, to endorse all cheques and other negotiable instruments payable to the club, to give receipts and generally to transmit any business incidental to the proper working of the banking account of the club”.
Mr Coker told the committee that he would be quite willing to take the position of treasurer as well as secretary, after all that!!!

This has a familiar ring to it! …..  The competition secretary complained of the lack of punctuality on the part of some members bringing their work in. It was decided that if prints came in late they would not be accepted.

After treatment of the Negative by Johnson and Sons Ltd.
Working on the negative physically is virtually a dead art, with the improved emulsions available now it has become unnecessary, although it is still practised by the professional using large negatives. The talk tonight was about chemical treatment, which is still used by some advanced workers. It was a very instructive and entertaining evening, however, there were no ‘freebies’ handed out, only information sheets.

August 1936
It was at this meeting that it was agreed that the cine section became an independent club, with the result that any use of the club rooms be at an agreed rent.

September 1936
Ilford Ltd with a lecture on Negative faults. An extremely interesting and informative talk by experts. With the aid of slides they showed the various faults and how to avoid them in the future.
The Ilford Manual, was for many years the ‘Bible’, that workers found an essential part of the literature available to them. Unfortunately this ceased production in around 1966. One section contained pages of illustrations of the various faults in negatives.

1937
January 1937
Spiders by E A Robins FLS, FRPS, FRMS.
Mr Robins was to meet Buck Taylor after the war, when he became a judge at the Annual Exhibition. On this occasion it was not known that Mr Robins was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the RPS, for his work with spiders, his knowledge of general photography was not of the highest order. (Buck: What I do know is that his selection of’ work hung and in particular the awards given was to say the least somewhat odd. I remember all too well the adverse comments made about his choice of work. The poor old exhibition secretary and The President were on the receiving end of many moans. I quite enjoyed it all being a very junior member, who had no pride to lose!).

Complaints were received about certain members always using the darkroom or studio. It was suspected that they were being used for professional reasons, this was not allowed in our lease, it was decided that the use of the darkroom or studio should be restricted to booking in advance, for one date and time only. Anyone found using either for commercial work would be drummed out of the club.

April 1937
The Finlay Colour Process by R Fanstone.
Some poking around has taken place, but nothing can be found out about this process. Unlike today when everything comes in packets, before the 2nd World War and for some years after, many weird and wonderful ‘Brews’ appeared, all with extravagant claims to be the miracle brew for one thing or another, in particular negative developers. Most of them had a very short life indeed, one ‘DEV. X’, appeared on the scene only to disappear without trace. Mind you it did make life interesting.

October 1937
The Lord Mayor, Councillor F J Spicknell JP, presented his cup to the club in the Guildhall Banqueting Room, followed by a Lantern Lecture “The French Alps” by Dr JE Ford-Palser.

November 1937
Bill Bartle on “Composition”. Bill was senior art master at the Portsmouth Grammar School.
Bill was a regular speaker at the club before and after the war ended. He was a person that could be as rude and caustic as he liked and nobody took offence at all because of his delightful manner. He was of tremendous help to the younger members of the club, one or two of them visited his house with a few prints to ask his advice. His talks on composition were marvellous down to earth talks. There was always a full house when Billy Boy was due to talk.

1938

This year saw the demise of the Cine part of the club. According to Percy Clark, they left things in a disgusting state, never swept or cleaned anything up, so they were given the order of the boot!
Last year saw the emergence by Kodak, of a very fine photographic paper indeed; it has proved to be very popular among clubs. I remember the paper clearly, it reigned for many years in fact only a year or two ago, the odd firm still offered it for sale. The main point about the paper, was that the tone could be controlled by the strength of the developer and the time of developing. Ask any of the older members and they will remember it with affection.

January 1938       -
Cecil Davies informed the committee that he was unable to act as Exhibition Secretary because of ill-health, and suggested that Percy Clark should take over.
A proposal by Mr Akehurst, seconded by Mr Bishop, that no exhibitor in the Annual Exhibition be allowed to win more than one award, was passed without dissention. According to Percy Clark, this was due to the fact of a new member, Dr Neubet, joining the club the previous year and sweeping the board of trophies. This was not liked by the “old hands”, who were used to winning a trophy every year.

April 1938
Annual General Meeting report.      
The secretary reported that it was very gratifying to have a very keen membership of 75. The club competitions were very well supported, as were the local exhibitions.
The treasurer reported that the Lantern “misunderstanding” with JC Thompson, had finally been settled, it now belonged to the club.
Special thanks were given to Cecil Davies, who had been a stalwart member since 1915, with the exception of a short spell in Malta. He had been a very prominent member, always ready to help in organising and the running of things.
Percy Clark is accepted as Exhibition Secretary. Percy attains his ARPS, he got it with a set of lantern plates, which are still with the family, and have been shown to the club on numerous occasions.

Charles Fry, a chemist in Albert Road, Southsea, whose name appears for the first time, was a very dedicated photographer who left his mark on the club. He talked to the club on “My Photography”. Chas was in the main a landscape worker, with occasional trips into other realms. He had a vast knowledge of the chemistry of our hobby. I can still see Chas with his pipe, leaning against the wall talking to members about the various brews and how to use them, in that quiet voice of his. My father was in business across the road from Chas, so I would go across and clean his shop out for him. I then got interested in photography and used to assist in his darkroom, where I learned the basics of a fascinating hobby, plus a thing or two about chemistry. That was the start of my interest in photography, which fortunately has never left me.
The first mention of a summer programme for the 1930’s. It was agreed to hold fortnightly rambles throughout the summer to start in May