Benalla

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB

FORMED

21st JANUARY 1954

2014, celebrated the 60th anniversary with a birthday party at a local winery.

EXECUTIVES
DATE:	PRESIDENT:	VICE PRESIDENT:	HON.SECRETARY:	TREASURER:
1954 - 1955	Mr. R.B. Cummins	Mr. H. Stolz	Mrs. J. Mason	Mrs. J. Mason
2012 - 2013	Jen Fawkes	Murray McEachern	Judy McEachern	Daren Fawkes
2013 - 2014	Jen Fawkes	Deb Gartland	Krystelle Barret-Lennard Daren Fawkes	Daren Fawkes Judy Barry
2014 - 2015	John Spencer	Deb Gartland	Daren Fawkes	Judy Barry
2015 - 2016	Jen Fawkes	Deb Gartland	Barbara Colman	Judy Barry
2016 - 2017	Ken Jenkins	Joe Bourke	Sylvia Baumgarten	Judy Barry
2017 - 2018	Noel Baumgarten	Joe Bourke	Sylvia Baumgarten	Judy Barry

Thursday 28th January 1954 Page 4 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
NEXT Meeting of the Benalla Camera Club will be held in the Benalla Memorial Hall, Wednesday, 3rd February, at 8pm.

Thursday 28th January 1954 Page 8 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
The Benalla Camera Club was formed at a meeting in the Memorial Hall last Thursday 21st January.

President is Mr. R.B. Cummins, and Mrs. J. Mason will act as secretary and treasurer. Other office-bearers elected were: Vice-president, Mr. H. Stolz; program committee, Messrs. Cummins, J. Matthews and Mrs. Gove; press secretary, Mr. G. Levy.

Annual subscription, to be paid in advance, was fixed at £1/1/-.

The club will meet every second Wednesday at Walker's Sports Store until 7th March.

Discussion took place regarding films of the Royal Visit to Benalla on 5th March.

Mr. L. Griffiths said satisfactory vantage points were required, and these were being considered by the Co-ordinating Committee.

He said it was planned for several members to take films and later to cut portions from each and make one composite picture.

One difficulty facing them was the necessary dollars, as the film would have to go to America to be copied.

He said the Mayor (Cr. Say) had informed him if the film proved satisfactory the Municipal Chambers would require a copy.

Mr. Griffiths said a film of the celebrations in the town would also be taken after the Queen had departed.

Thursday 4th February 1954 Page 5 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
At a meeting of the Benalla Camera Club last night plans were discussed for holding lectures and screening films for the coming year.

The question of obtaining vantage points for members to take a film of the Queen's progress was also considered.

Films of Coronation displays taken by Mrs. Gove, Messrs. Griffiths and Mrs. Grieve, were shown.

Next meeting of the club will be held at Walker's Sports Store on Wednesday, February 17, and will take the form of a Kodachrome display and competition.

Thursday 11th February 1954 Page 6 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
Next Meeting
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 17th
at WALKER'S SPORTS STORE 8pm sharp.
Kodachrome Demonstration.

Thursday 18th February 1954 Page 1 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
At last night's meeting of the Benalla Camera Club, members provided an interesting Kodachrome display and competition.

Upwards of 100 slides were shown. They were of a very high standard, which made judging difficult. However the popular vote went to a beautiful picture of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, shown by Mr. J. Roberts, Devenish.

Second choice was "The Chapel", a delightful study photographed on the Franz Josef Glacier, in New Zealand, by Mr. N. Jones, of Swanpool.

Next meeting will be held on Wednesday in Walker's Sports Store, when an instructional sound film from Kodak Ltd. will be screened.

Thursday 18th February 1954 Page 1 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB

Special Showing Royal Tour Films (IN COLOR)

JOHN COOPER HALL

FRIDAY 14th MAY

R. CUMMINS
PRESIDENT

Mrs. J. MASON
HON.SECRETARY

Thursday 25th February 1954 Page 2 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL SOCIETY
At the General Meeting of the Council for the Benalla Agricultural & Pastoral Society.

Permission was given to the Benalla Camera Club to use the secretary's office as a meeting place, at a rental of £4/4/- a year.

A condition was the club keep the office clean and that they be asked to consider holding a photographic display at the next show.

Thursday 13th May 1954 Page 1 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
PREVIEW OF BENALLA'S ROYAL TOUR
The Benalla Camera Club made a very successful debut at the John Cooper Hall on Monday night when it gave a preview of pictures taken by its members of the Royal Tour through Benalla.

The gathering upwards of 60, which comprised many leading citizens, saw for the first time many of the interesting phases of the four-mile tour through the town, the highlight being the first appearance of Her Majesty the Queen in person at the Rail way Station.

Other interesting phases of the program were the decorations. the beautiful decorations of the City of Melbourne and Benalla's Coronation celebrations.

It was a great achievement for members of the club, for in addition to taking shots on 8mm and 16mm cameras at vantage points, the big task of splicing the best pictures called for expert amateurs. The credit for such falls on to a few enthusiasts who have launched a club which will make a name for itself in the town.

A vote of thanks was accorded club members by the Mayor, who vacated the mayoral chair of the borough meeting to be present. The supper which followed brought to a close a most entertaining evening.

There will be a public screening of the same program tomorrow night (Friday) at the same hall and the "Ensign" can assure its readers that it is well worth seeing.

Thursday 13th May 1954 Page 1 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
At Tuesday night's meeting of the Benalla Camera Club details were released of an instructional course in photography.

The lectures will be of immense value to the club and will stimulate interest.

The new curtains in the club-house have given a bright look to the place and thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. John Mason, who kindly donated them.

The syllabus item for the evening was given by Mr. and Mrs. Osborne, who showed films of their trip overseas, and members expressed pleasure with the showing.

At the next showing members will show colored slides taken on their recent holiday.

Thursday 15th July 1954 Page 12 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
Once again an enthusiastic number of members attended the Benalla Camera Club meeting last Monday evening at the club room.

It is the intention of 8mm and 16mm movie enthusiasts to produce documentary subjects in the near future, and reports were received in connection with the filming.

This project should prove interesting, and members are approaching the problem in a systematic manner. We can look forward to some very interesting material, as we have every confidence in the ability of members associated with movie apparatus to produce something really good.

FURNISHING CLUBROOM
Members of the club, who are also woodworking enthusiasts, decided to produce a number of chairs to provide adequate seating accommodation. A pattern chair was on view and received the acclamation of all present. The co-operation of members is admirable and indicates that the club will be one of the most progressive in the town.

LIBRARY
As a library is most essential in any camera club, it was decided that one be formed. Mrs. Gove, who is a very capable member, was appointed librarian and members were exhorted to donate photographic books. After a list of technical books has been prepared, a more comprehensive list of titles will be available. The club will add to the list from time to time.

ELECTRIC URN
The electric urn purchased by the club was a great success and, from a social point of view, will be much appreciated, particularly by the ladies, who always produce that delicious cup of tea at supper time.

INSTRUCTIONAL FILMS
The club is very fortunate in having Mr. Harry Stolz as a member. He brought along his 16mm sound projector and showed some interesting films of an instructional nature. The films shown were "Developing the Negative", and "Elementary Optics in Relation to Lenses".

The film, "Trans-Matilda", featuring Reynolds transmission chain, as used by motor-cycles in a recent Round-Australia trip with Mr. Vern Train, of Benalla, as the star, was shown. This 16mm film was adapted from the standard 35mm on the subject, and proved most interesting.

Mr. Keith Hughan showed some excellent 35mm Kodachrome color slides, depicting scenes from a recent trip to New South Wales coastal areas.

INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE
The instructional course on photography was continued by Mr. H. Cameron, and his subject was "Developing the film". Mr. Cameron is giving a series of lectures to the club on every phase of photography. His subject for the next weekly meeting on Monday, July 26, will be "Portraiture".

HON.SECRETARY
We are fortunate in having an efficient secretary (Mrs. John Mason), who does not spare herself to make this club a success, and all members are appreciative of her untiring efforts.

Thursday 16th September 1954 Page 6 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
SHOW EXHIBIT
The Benalla Camera Club have decided to have an exhibit at the 1954 Benalla agricultural show. It will take the form of a display of prints by members, to be selected by Mr. Ewen Cameron. Mr. Cameron asks that all members who have contact prints or negatives, to leave them with the president (Mr. Reg. Cummins) or the secretary (Mrs. J. Mason). I am sure members have some good material on hand that should contribute to a pleasing exhibit.

GRAND FINAL IN COLOR
The 8mm enthusiasts have decided to film this mighty epic under the direction of Mr. Bill Gregory. The scenario is being worked out and arrangements for fitting and editing are being taken care of. Our cameramen will be on location on the big day and I am confident they will produce a complete coverage of this game.

I am reminded that a well known Wangaratta sporting columnist was astounded by the confidence of the Camera Club in the capabilities of the Benalla team. Well, Bob, as one newshound to another, I'd just like to say we have more confidence than ever, and a power of faith. May the best team win!

DONATION OF EQUIPMENT
Mr. Geoffrey Dodd has offered to donate floodlight stands to the Club, and on behalf of the members I express to Geoffrey our sincere thanks for his generous offer.

CHAIRS
Mr. Len Griffiths has reported on behalf of the members of the working bee constructing the new chairs, and advised that the job was almost completed. These chairs are the goods, and the lads associated with the construction are to be congratulated on their achievement. The workmanship is superb, and they present a colorful touch to the clubroom.

Len also paid a tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stolz for their continued support, and refreshments provided to members of the working bee. The boys say the refreshments are so good they are concerned about the waistline. A few rounds of golf should adjust that.

PRINTING DEMONSTRATION
Mr. Ewen Cameron conducted a contact printing demonstration, and I noticed many keen members with their fingers in the developer and the hypo. Ewen is very thorough, and I am sure those who took part have added to their photographic knowledge. Mr. Cameron will give a practical demonstration at our next meeting on September 27, so I'd advise all to be in attendance as it is to your advantage.

SYLLABUS ITEM
The 16mm film show was canceled due to circumstances beyond the club's control. However, the 35mm section came to the rescue, and did they put on, a show!

Mr. John Mason presented colorful scenes of Sydney and the south coast of N.S.W., also Canberra and Goulburn. When John goes on a photographic holiday he sure gets the high lights. The seascape scenes were a revelation and the views of Canberra and Goulburn beautiful. I thought John may have had a Kodachrome study of the "Federal Budget," but he explained that it was much too colorful even for Kodachrome.

Snow sports at Mt. Bogong presented by Mr. John Gruzewski were most impressive in that they displayed Australia's alpine grandeur. John is to be congratulated on his excellent photographic work. Looking down on the ski runs, I am sure that when one reached the bottom one would be knocking on the sound barrier.

Another fine exhibition by Mr. Garry Boyd presented scenes of the Hume Weir, speed boat racing, Gliding Club activities, and animal studies. Good photography, Garry and very colorful.

Mr. Geoffrey Dodd presented some artistic Kodachrome shots taken on the occasion of his daughter's wedding. He certainly had a beautiful model, but he also used the camera to advantage, thus producing pictures of artistic brilliance. Congratulations, Geoffrey.

Thursday 16th September 1954 Page 6 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL SOCIETY
BENALLA'S 1954 Agricultural & Pastoral Society Spring show promises to be one of the best in history. This was stated to-day by the secretary (Cr. E.A. Straughair), and after looking at the formidable program and the record entries in some of the sections. I can well agree with his claims.

There will be a display of photography by the Benalla Camera Club.

Thursday 7th October 1954 Page 10 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
CAMERA CLUB FLASHES
(By "Shutter")
SHOW EXHIBIT
At the last meeting of the Benalla Camera Club, reports were received regarding the proposed exhibit of photographic material at the forthcoming A. and P. Society's annual show. This is the first time such an exhibit has been provided for and I am sure members will put up a memorable entry. The club can do so much to assist the many local bodies in putting Benalla on the map, and I'm confident that at future shows a section for this will be included in the schedule.

GRAND FINAL IN COLOR
Mr. W. Gregory, director of the film taken of the grand final at Albury, reports that 400 ft. of film was used and every aspect of the match was covered by his cameramen. The film has been sent away for processing, and on its return the job of editing will be proceeded with. Mr. Gregory states that Mr. Geoffrey Diffey has agreed to assist him in the preparation of the titles for photographing, and the club is grateful to him for this valuable assistance. Although Benalla failed to win the premiership, we feel they did a grand job, and extend to Rutherglen our heartiest congratulations on their success.

FURNISHINGS
A report was submitted by Mr. H. Stolz that chairs had been completed and were now available at the club room. It was decided that members of the working bee be congratulated on their very fine work. Mrs Mason was also thanked for her work in cutting and sewing the canvas material used in the construction of the chairs.

MONITORS
Monitors for October will be Messrs G. Boyd and N. McDonald, and the syllabus item will be a display of 35mm section at the next meeting.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
The meeting decided that the club should conduct a competition among members of the four sections - 16, 8 and 35mm and black and white. Conditions are: 16mm section restricted to 100 ft. of film; 8mm, 50 ft., and 35mm, best six transparencies; three black and white enlargements, six best contact prints. A panel of three judges will be appointed to decide the result in all sections. Members are urged to take part, as it is only by entering your work that you can obtain a fair criticism of your efforts. Closing date for entries will be November 8. The competition is restricted to members only.

SYLLABUS ITEM
The syllabus item consisted of a Kodak slide lecture, which was conducted by the president in a capable manner. All agreed he was a complete master of the subject. The lecture was on the technical side of photography, but after these had been explained I am sure all would benefit from the knowledge imparted. Two 16mm films were shown by Mr. H. Stolz, one a sound film, Mt. Buffalo National Park, and the other a color, on Philip Island. The films were supplied by courtesy of the Victorian Railways Public Relations and Betterment Board.

Mr. Garry Boyd showed some very fine shots of his prize poultry and action shots taken on the football field.

The 8mm contribution was by Mr. Len Griffiths with some excellent shots in color of gliding activities and farmyard scenes.

Mr. J. Hooper showed his 16mm result of the recent artificial lighting demonstration conducted by the club, and this received very favorable comment. Members are reminded to keep Monday, October 11, free, as this is the next meeting night.

Thursday 21st October 1954 Page 12 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
CAMERA CLUB FLASHES
(By "Shutter")
At a meeting of the Benalla Camera Club, presided over by Mr Reg Cummins, a committee of three, together with the president, was appointed to arrange the photographic exhibits at the show next week.

Members were requested to co-operate with the committee which comprises Messrs. G. Dodd, V. Train, E. Cameron and Cummins.

Mr. W. Gregory reported that the work on the film of the grand final football match in the O. and M. League was progressing smoothly. To prove this he displayed some specimen titles to be used.

Syllabus item for next meeting will be by 8mm cameramen, and every member is asked to bring along a contribution.

The program for the evening consisted of Kodachrome transparencies taken by Messrs. W. Holland, K. Hogan and E. Cameron.

Some excellent slides of Messrs. Holland and Hogan's coastal trip to Sydney were shown. Mr. Cameron's shots, taken from a glider being towed by a Tiger Moth, gave members an idea of how much Benalla has grown in recent years.

Thursday 2nd December 1954 Page 3 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
CAMERA CLUB PLANS PICTURE AND GUEST NIGHTS
(By "Shutter")
AFTER an absence of some weeks from the scene of photographic art and those associated with mysteries of camera craft, I trickled into the meeting on Monday evening of last week and the enthusiasm of past meetings goes on unabated. The Benalla Camera Club can truly look back on its achievements with pride and can view the future with every confidence.

The Club has gone through the stages of infancy and now has the experience necessary for the future, and if I am any judge the coming year will see greater things.

To the executive officers and to all members I take off my hat. They have done, and will continue to do a magnificent job, and this town of Benalla is the richer for the existence of the Benalla Camera Club.

The motto is co-operation and selflessness, and whilst the club adheres to these qualities it must succeed.

PICTURE NIGHT
It was decided to present a picture program in the Memorial Hall early in December. Which will consist of 8mm, 16mm movies and 35mm transparencies produced by the Club.

Among the films to be exhibited will be the Ovens and Murray football grand final and the activities of the Benalla Fire Brigade on the occasion of their visit to Tasmania.

The 16mm members will also present selected sound films.

Our 35mm members have a splendid selection of material, and the public of Benalla can be assured of a most enjoyable evening.

Admission charges for this entertainment will be 2/6 for adults and 1/- for children.

GUEST NIGHT
The next meeting of the club will be held on 13th December, and will take the form of a guest night. This meeting will be held in the library room at the Memorial Hall.

Our secretary, Mrs Mason, desires that she be notified as to the number of persons expected, so each member should arrange to pass on accurate information to enable the necessary arrangements to be made.

SYLLABUS ITEM
The 8mm movies and 35mm members provided the syllabus item for the evening.

Father O'Reilly presented a very fine film of scenes from the Melbourne Royal Show, and Mr Len Griffiths presented a film of local interest and followed up with a comedy, "Hurry, Hurry," starring the late W.C. Fields.

The 35mm contribution was provided by the following members: Mrs John Mason (Camera Club's display at the show and the orchid display); Messrs Wilfred Holland, Laurie Brennan, Lyle Sloan, and Reginald Cummins, all of whom produced some good shots of the Benalla show. These chaps certainly get around, and they didn't miss a thing. If anything is worth photographing these members never let it pass the lens of their cameras.

Mr Holland senior, also provided a sample of his work, and he evidently knows how to use his camera and light meter.

REFLECTIONS
Reflecting on the Benalla Camera Club activities over the past year, one thinks of the many great events the club has covered.

The greatest and most memorable one was the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to Australia, and particularly to the club members, and I am more than ever convinced that they can produce the goods when the occasion arises.

I feel confident that those who go along to the Memorial Hall to see the Benalla Camera Club on Parade will heartily agree with me.

Thursday 16th December 1954 Page 2 - Benalla Ensign (Victoria 1938 - 1954)

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB
Members of the Benalla Camera Club entertained their friends at a social evening on Monday night, at the Memorial Hall. A program of films was enjoyed, and the evening concluded with the serving of a tasty supper. The Club has now gone into recess until January 10, 1955.

July 2012 Benalla Ensign

VICTORIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETIES NEWSBRIEF
FEBRUARY 2014

BENALLA CAMERA CLUB 60th ANNIVERSARY

It will be a big year for Benalla Camera Club, during which it will celebrate its 60th Anniversary. With its theme "Benalla Camera Club - Still in Focus", the club will host a range of activities across the year which will highlight the club's past (with a display of old cameras in the local library in July), and present (with a year of activities, outings, workshops and challenges). The feature of the celebrations will be a club dinner, to be held in the beautiful King Valley at Gracebrook Winery, on Sunday 23rd March, from 11am for photography, and from 1pm lunch, wine and some special treats.

Club members will also be heading to Melbourne for a weekend of photography in April. Unfortunately the club has few records, with all of the club paperwork destroyed in the Benalla floods in the 1990's. While members are attempting to piece together our records, anyone with information about past committee members or activities are welcome to share their stories.