A brief history of the CWCC
The club was founded in 1974 and originally known as Calne Camera and Cine Club. The organisation was later adopted and sponsored by Harris's, a former and famous employer in the town, and the name was changed to Calne Harris Camera Club.
The Harris Social Club started in Marden House on the wharf (which has been fully restored in recent years and now serves as a social centre and day centre for various groups). The club was then moved to a temporary building which was situated in the grounds of The Woodlands and then moved into the present building in 1945. This building also served as a canteen for the staff of Harris's.
In July 1982 Harris ceased production in the town and discussions were started with a view to buying the Social Club from them. This was eventually completed and came under control of the Management Committee on 1st May 1984.
At this time the social club committee voted to adopt the Camera Club and thus the name was changed to what we now know as Calne Woodlands Camera Club.
In 1986 CWCC members built a darkroom in the upper story of the building and there were plans to develop a studio but these were delayed and then cancelled due to the lack of a suitable fire escape and other safety features in the area required for this use.
In the summer of 2007, the club held its first photographic exhibition (Calne Woodlands Photofest 2007) where club members were given the opportunity to exhibit their work to the public. Held at the Carnegie Heritage Centre, Calne, 150 prints were displayed to great effect and acclaim.
The CWCC has met every Monday for the last 30 years or so (excluding Bank Holidays) and is one of the few clubs who do not have a break during the summer.
The Harris Social Club started in Marden House on the wharf (which has been fully restored in recent years and now serves as a social centre and day centre for various groups). The club was then moved to a temporary building which was situated in the grounds of The Woodlands and then moved into the present building in 1945. This building also served as a canteen for the staff of Harris's.
In July 1982 Harris ceased production in the town and discussions were started with a view to buying the Social Club from them. This was eventually completed and came under control of the Management Committee on 1st May 1984.
At this time the social club committee voted to adopt the Camera Club and thus the name was changed to what we now know as Calne Woodlands Camera Club.
In 1986 CWCC members built a darkroom in the upper story of the building and there were plans to develop a studio but these were delayed and then cancelled due to the lack of a suitable fire escape and other safety features in the area required for this use.
In the summer of 2007, the club held its first photographic exhibition (Calne Woodlands Photofest 2007) where club members were given the opportunity to exhibit their work to the public. Held at the Carnegie Heritage Centre, Calne, 150 prints were displayed to great effect and acclaim.
The CWCC has met every Monday for the last 30 years or so (excluding Bank Holidays) and is one of the few clubs who do not have a break during the summer.
