The Club History

Over the years there have been several attempts at establishing a camera club in Bridport. In the 1980s following a photographic course a group came together to discuss all things photographic but after a promising start the group went their separate ways.

In the early 90s David Barnikel, the then owner of Burton Cliff Hotel used to run residential photographic courses. Following a nature photography course David suggested to some of the locally based photographers that it would be a good idea to start a club and base it at the hotel. These photographers included some of the best wildlife photographers in the area notably Colin Varndell, Garry Hayball, David & Mary Cantrille, Peter Coe and Bert Wason.

From this suggestion The Bridport Camera Club was formed in 1993 with the idea of providing a forum for all levels of photography. The format was quickly established and followed those run by other photographic clubs. The Club met at roughly fortnightly intervals throughout the winter months and provided entertainment through visiting speakers, independently judged slide and print competitions and education through field trips, talks and members evenings.