This year marks 130 years since the first recorded AGM of our club. Below is a summary of the history as provided by our president, Pauline, at our Annual Dinner last month.
The first meeting was held on the 22nd October 1895 at the School of Mines, chaired by Mr Harcourt.
On 5th November 1806, the first annual meeting of the Bendigo Amateur Photographic Society was held at the School of Mines, Bendigo.
The Annual Report was very encouraging, and the members may congratulate themselves upon the advance the Association has made since its inception, especially when all tuition has been without a recognised instructor. During the year, fortnightly competitive exhibitions were held, with gratifying results. It was resolved to endeavour to obtain Mr Hart. It was decided that ladies should be admitted in the Association. During the evening, Mr Harcourt, who was leaving Bendigo on a trip home, was presented with a handsome souvenir in recognition of his having been the inaugurator of the association.
The first elected members were:
- President: Mr Faul
- Vice Presidents: Mr C Bulley and Mr W Whyte
- Treasurer: Mr J B Edwards
- Hon Sec. Mr M F Prescott
- Committee: Mr A Purdie, Mr German and Mr Vale
The Association’s purpose was to provide a supportive and social atmosphere in which like minded members may learn, improve and share their experiences of photography with others.
On Feb 22 1900, a meeting of the BAPA was held at the School of Mines where the Rev. Father More delivered an illustrated lecture on photography for travellers. It was interesting to note that the Rev. said photography at the present time was no longer among the mysteries of science, but now an interesting art that any person with average intellect might learn. He stated photography was now as familiar and as convenient as other accomplishments, and was of special advantage to the traveller; for a man travelling without a camera lost the very essence of his trip.
On June 11th 1900, a syllabus was drafted for the coming half year, its resolve to encourage members to take more interest in the competition side of the society. Two competitions were to be held that half of the year, with a prize on offer.
On March 26 1901, Mr R Jefferey offered to instruct members in a course which he had completed at the Working Man’s College in Melbourne. It was decided that a “Novice Class” would be conducted each alternate Tuesday.
Records show that until 15 Nov 1916, BAPA was active. We assume the club went into recess during the war, but there is a gap in the historic record for many years.
Current club member, Bob Lawrence, is custodian of the club records which date back to the collection of subs in 1948.
At a meeting at the Bendigo City Hall on 11th November, 1854, it was decided to rename the club “Bendigo Photographic Society”. The club was then renamed “Bendigo Camera Club” on July 6th 1970.
During this time the club conducted movie nights for the public. Three movies were played for an admission cost, with tickets purchased from a local chemist.
The club meetings were held at various venues, such as Kennington Hall which, at the time, was considered out in the country, necessitating the organisation of a car pool system, with pickups at designated locations around town. Members who had transport were asked to wait 5 minutes to help ferry other members. On 12 August 1980 the BCC moved from the Agricultural Department in Epsom to Lake Weeroona at our present club rooms. In fact, BCC participated in the planning committee responsible for the construction of the pavilion.
On 7th February 1985, BCC became Incorporated.
Huge thanks to Bob Lawrence for acting as custodian of a huge collection of valuable documents for many many years!
Some of the documents are available in the Club’s dropbox. We will keep adding to this folder.
Note: choose the “view in browser” option to view these documents (you do not need to install dropbox).