Club Meeting, Vice Chairmans Challenge 2 - Tuesday 12th November 2024.
On Tuesday, November 12th, members of the Morpeth Camera Club gathered to view images submitted for the
second part of the Vice Chairman’s Challenge, which focused on the theme of "My Town."
Vice Chairman Jeremy Cooper requested that members submit a collection of up to five images that had not been
previously seen and that reflected their personal interpretation of "My Town." Seventeen members participated in
the challenge. Jeremy noted that the submissions showcased a wide variety of approaches and techniques, that
included triptychs, macro shots, abstracts, and the use of intriguing colorful filters.
The town motto ‘Between Woods and Rivers we Dwell’ was illustrated with images of the Town Hall interior, The
Hollon Fountain, the Stepping Stones, Morpeths bridges inset with their commemoration plaques, the Clock Tower,
the Old Courthouse and Castle, The Chantry and The Bagpipe Museum. Also featured were residences of famous
Morpethians inset with their portraits.
We saw mosaics and artwork in the Millennium Green, old alleyways and curious yards with ancient names such
as Packhorse Yard, Mains Terrace, Horses Entry and Stafford Yards, Abbey View and Newminster Terrace. Different
styled residences lining Newgate Street had been stripped of street furniture and yellow lines to create lovely latter
day images of times gone by. A highly stylised barber shop quintet of images, shots of the town centre at night and
a classic photograph of MacKay’s were also included.
Images from a riverside stroll produced autumnal reflections, water birds resting on the weir its terraces and steps
and the iconic view towards Oliver’s Mill, Telford Bridge and St Georges Church. A circuit walk around Morpeth had
revealed the Castle through the trees and elevated panoramas from Ha’ Hill, which contrasted with modern-day,
abstract aspects of County Hall and car park.
Widdrington Station, the adopted home of two members, showed the village at ground level and also from an aerial
point of view. The birthplace of another member was Amble who married original old photographs of the town with
his up to date versions. Memories and anecdotes of Durham, one members’ birthplace, together with images of his
childhood haunts followed.
Finally, five aerial views covering various areas in Morpeth taken in 1927 featured the gas and coke works, the old
orchards, the Playhouse, the Workhouse, quarry, old mart and the circus area on the Stanners, had the audience
completely fascinated by what they were seeing and attracted much discussion. Throughout the evening each
member commented upon their work and explained historical facts where relevant.
Between Woods and Rivers was certainly an appropriate theme for the evening that showcased Morpeth beautifully,
Jeremy thanked everyone who took up his challenge, after which refreshments were enjoyed.
Steph.
second part of the Vice Chairman’s Challenge, which focused on the theme of "My Town."
Vice Chairman Jeremy Cooper requested that members submit a collection of up to five images that had not been
previously seen and that reflected their personal interpretation of "My Town." Seventeen members participated in
the challenge. Jeremy noted that the submissions showcased a wide variety of approaches and techniques, that
included triptychs, macro shots, abstracts, and the use of intriguing colorful filters.
The town motto ‘Between Woods and Rivers we Dwell’ was illustrated with images of the Town Hall interior, The
Hollon Fountain, the Stepping Stones, Morpeths bridges inset with their commemoration plaques, the Clock Tower,
the Old Courthouse and Castle, The Chantry and The Bagpipe Museum. Also featured were residences of famous
Morpethians inset with their portraits.
We saw mosaics and artwork in the Millennium Green, old alleyways and curious yards with ancient names such
as Packhorse Yard, Mains Terrace, Horses Entry and Stafford Yards, Abbey View and Newminster Terrace. Different
styled residences lining Newgate Street had been stripped of street furniture and yellow lines to create lovely latter
day images of times gone by. A highly stylised barber shop quintet of images, shots of the town centre at night and
a classic photograph of MacKay’s were also included.
Images from a riverside stroll produced autumnal reflections, water birds resting on the weir its terraces and steps
and the iconic view towards Oliver’s Mill, Telford Bridge and St Georges Church. A circuit walk around Morpeth had
revealed the Castle through the trees and elevated panoramas from Ha’ Hill, which contrasted with modern-day,
abstract aspects of County Hall and car park.
Widdrington Station, the adopted home of two members, showed the village at ground level and also from an aerial
point of view. The birthplace of another member was Amble who married original old photographs of the town with
his up to date versions. Memories and anecdotes of Durham, one members’ birthplace, together with images of his
childhood haunts followed.
Finally, five aerial views covering various areas in Morpeth taken in 1927 featured the gas and coke works, the old
orchards, the Playhouse, the Workhouse, quarry, old mart and the circus area on the Stanners, had the audience
completely fascinated by what they were seeing and attracted much discussion. Throughout the evening each
member commented upon their work and explained historical facts where relevant.
Between Woods and Rivers was certainly an appropriate theme for the evening that showcased Morpeth beautifully,
Jeremy thanked everyone who took up his challenge, after which refreshments were enjoyed.
Steph.