While out and about in Ashton this summer, why not take a look at the Market latest gallery display which features the fantastic work of Ashton Photographic Society.

Ashton Photographic Society pride themselves on being a friendly club open to novices and experienced photographers alike.

The club holds regular monthlycompetitions in which independent judges give constructive feedback aimed to improve both photography and post-production skills and includes a separate section for Novices/New Members to showcase their work.

The Society was founded in early 1891 with Dr A. Hamilton appointed as the first president. They met at the Mechanics Institute and had a full programme of eventsincluding visits to various locations.

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The cameras would have been much largerthan those used today, using glass plates, so the image would have had to becarefully chosen.

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The first public exhibition was held in February 1892 at Ashton Town Hall, with scenesfrom around Italy and a lantern slide show in the evening. They had 109 membersand an income of £80 (£8,189 today)!

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They are proudof their heritage and continue to have talks and practical workshops on avariety of subjects alongside trips out to places of interest in the summer months, which provide a chance to put their photography skills to use.

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They have recently been to Howarth for the 1940’s weekend and Lincoln for the Steam Punkevent. Closer to home visiting Salford Quays and Park Bridge. As well as being open to all levels of skills and ability, the club is also open to people of all ages, as is evidenced by ‘Stag At Rest’ taken at Dunham Massey by 19 year old Luke Smith who has learnt most of his photography skills from his grandfather John Porter, who took the picture ‘Hartshead Pike in the snow’.

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Another greataspect of the Society is the wide range of interests of its members, which theyoften display in their photography. Jeremy Sayle is an avid sport fan, particularly local teams and events including motorsport as seen with his image ‘Motor X Rider’, Bruce Rankin matches this passion with his Formula 1 images.

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Wildlife is another passion shared with members as you will see with husband and wife team Malcolm and Joanne Davies’s’ bird collection. A fantasticopportunity to capture the Flying Scotsman graced itself this year as itcelebrated its centenary, images presented here by Ian Wadsworth, Malcolm Davies and Ray Liddy.

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Whilst photographyis the main aim of the club, their goal is to enjoy the social aspect of it byplanning days and evenings out - and even weekends away. But, above all, they want people to enjoy their photography and make it FUN!

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New members arealways welcome to join meetings. They meet at 7:30pm on Thursdays at St John’s Church, Kings Road, Ashton.

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The exhibition is on display until 5 September 2023 at the Gallery in Ashton Market for viewing.