Otley Camera Club AGM 2026 – A Year of Growth and a New Chapter

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We held our AGM on 30th April, which also marked a significant milestone — our first evening in our new home at Otley Common.

During the meeting, Richard Sells stepped down as Chair after completing his two-year tenure. Under Richard’s leadership, the club has grown significantly, both in membership and in ambition, while maintaining the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that defines Thursday nights.

We were delighted to elect Chris Burgess as our new Chair, bringing energy, enthusiasm and a clear vision for the future. Another key change sees Danni Burgess take on the role of Competition Secretary, building on the strong foundations already in place.

Reflections from the Chair’s Report

In his report, Richard highlighted what has been a year of significant progress and transition for the club.

A New Home at Otley Common

After a long journey, we have finally moved into Otley Common. The new venue offers fantastic potential, with improved accessibility, a high-quality display system and sound setup — a major step forward in how we present and experience photography as a club.

While the move comes with increased costs, the opportunities it brings are significant, and we are excited to grow into the space over the coming season.

A Thriving and Growing Club

Membership has continued to grow, reaching 46 members, with strong attendance and a great atmosphere at club nights. It has been particularly encouraging to see new members quickly getting involved in competitions, outings and club activities.

A Packed and Varied Programme

We delivered a full 37-week programme, including guest speakers, competitions, practical sessions and members’ evenings. New formats such as Let AI Be the Judge, Same Image, Different Vision and Ask Anything added fresh energy and discussion.

Competitions and Creativity

Competitions remain a key part of the club, with 25 different members placing this season. Richard also thanked Les for his many years of dedication as Competition Secretary, and welcomed Danni into the role moving forward.

Outings and Community

Members enjoyed a range of outings throughout the year (Tankspace, Lake District Weekend, alongside growing involvement in the local community — including work with theatre groups, the Otley Cycle Race, Otley Common and contributions to the Otley Neighbourhood Plan Review.

Annual Exhibition

The Annual Exhibition continues to be a cornerstone of the club — showcasing members’ work, engaging the public and generating vital income. This year will also see the introduction of an Early Bird membership offer to encourage new members to join directly at the exhibition.

Looking Ahead – A New Chair’s Vision

Chris then delivered his first address as Chair, sharing his enthusiasm and priorities for the year ahead.

He began by thanking Richard for his leadership, recognising the strong, inclusive culture that has been built within the club.

Chris spoke openly about stepping into the role, acknowledging that while he is new to being Chair, he is committed to leading with openness, energy and a positive approach.

Looking ahead, his key priorities include:

Maintaining the club’s welcoming and supportive atmosphere
Growing membership to make the most of the new space at Otley Common
Encouraging creativity and participation, particularly through competitions and print
Expanding “Out and About” opportunities for members to shoot together
Encouraging more members to get involved and support the running of the club

He also highlighted new initiatives, including a refreshed website, increased social media presence, and a new “Refer a Friend” scheme to help grow the club.

Chris summed up his approach simply — building on strong foundations, keeping the club friendly and inclusive, and making sure everyone continues to enjoy their photography.