The modern day connection between Falkirk C.C. and Stirling & District C.C. ( founded 1903 ) began in the 1950’s when the two groups started to meet annually. In between times we liaise on items of common interest. However, that association has existed since the earliest days of both groups. Photographs and records of our forebears, the Falkirk Amateur Photographic Association founded in 1889, feature a particularly prolific Stirlingshire photographer. Thomas Dougall Chalmers ( 1863 – 1940 ) from Bannockburn is photographed as a member of that group on the steps of Callendar House in the mid 1890’s and he is also included in an 1898 Office Bearers photograph of F.A.P.A. His photographs of the county at that time are a valued historical record of the people, their villages and towns illustrating a world which is much changed. His brother John Chalmers was also a photographer and F.A.P.A. member, and we believe Office Bearer, but you will find a video on Thomas Chalmers by Falkirk C.C.’s Historian & Archivist Geof Longstaff on You Tube. Indeed in 2018, when we staged an exhibition telling the story of the main photographic group in Falkirk from 1889 to the present day, Geof traced a present day descendent of Thomas and John who came to the opening reception of that exhibition
These days our two clubs hold an annual competition. The principal being that it affords us the opportunity to see the kind of photography which the other is doing, to have all of the photographs critiqued by an independent judge and therefore to make the evening a learning experience. It was our turn to host the event this year and we invited Jim Stevenson, from Kilmaurs C.C. in Ayrshire, to adjudicate.
There is rarely much space between the two clubs however it’s fair to say that in recent years Stirling have been, sometimes significantly, the dominant club. Jim provided a thorough and constructive appraisal of each image with Falkirk C.C. just edging ahead to win this year.
Next week is our Christmas meal so the next photographic event is Thursday 14th December for Monthly Competition No. 3. Entrants had a choice of themes with with Macro or Close-Up photography being one option and Street Photography the other.
Thanks to all F.C.C. members who have contributed to this season’s Talking Pictures evening with Falkirk Writers Circle. The photographs are now going to the writers who will join us for an evening in March.
Thanks for looking in.