September is here again.

Holidays are over. The visitors have left; or most of them.

We get back to Camera Club life again, armed with lots of lovely pictures from our trips. Among them is sure to be a real cracker, if only the judges could see it with your eyes!

Photography never stands still. Fashions come and go and technology changes almost as fast. While digital cameras are becoming better some people are going back to old methods and trying bromoils and cyanotypes etc. Infra red photography is very popular, and lith printing has an exciting place. This great variety of work and images makes the hobby challenging and exciting.

I am looking forward to seeing many superb pictures. Clubs are needing to look ahead too, as new computer technology may need investment in expensive equipment. Prices are coming down fortunately. Digital cameras do not give transparencies, which is the most satisfactory method of showing to a room full of people. Digital projectors may be the answer.

The autumn season sees the start of the league Knock out competitions followed by the exhibition and Print Championship in the New Year. Organising work for these events takes up the early part of the season so we will have many entertaining evenings.

We start by asking for slides to be considered for our Southern Federation entry to the PAGB annual Slide exhibition. Our selection will be chosen soon after the Quarterly meeting on September 12th , so bring your slides then. They could be posted to me and if you send a pre paid envelope they will be returned promptly.

I am grateful to Jack Whitemore CPAGB for offering to take over as Correspondence Secretary, so please send letters to him. His experience is very helpful. He stipulated that it was only for two years, so if you would like to run in tandem with him to learn the ropes and take over in due time you would be welcome. We still would be grateful for more Council members to gain experience of the work, which we all find great fun. There is nothing stuffy about Council meetings!

There are many people in the Federation who contribute beyond the call of duty, and this should be recognised, so the new Roll of Honour is to show our appreciation to them. If there is someone who has really been outstanding in their contribution, please write to Jack Whitemore or myself and set out why they should be honoured.
So welcome to a new season and happy snapping to all.

Anne Mahany - President