Halloween, 31 October, has its origins in pagan festivals held around the end of October in Britain. People believed that, at this time of year, the spirits of dead people could come 'alive' and walk among the living.
They thought that it was important to dress up in costumes when venturing outside, to avoid being harmed by the spirits. This may have led to the use of the fancy dress now associated with Halloween.
The ‘ghostly’ influence can be felt in much of childish humour at this time of the year: “What is the favourite Shakespearean play of ghosts?. Romeo and Ghouliet.”
But what do the lively spirits of Fordingbridge Camera Club have to offer in October? Our more experienced members are always willing to give help and advice when asked.
www.fordingbridgecameraclub.org.uk lists the planned talks by visiting top photographers - 24th of October with Ralph Snook ARPS will be about Wild Life Photography and show some of his impressive range of first class images.
Some of our own club members will cover areas of their own expertise and include Kevin James demonstrating how to “Use Your Mobile Phone in Photography”.
Visitors are always welcome to meetings for a small charge. In addition to our regular meetings, we devote many evenings to those who want, as a group, to set themselves new challenges and then to review the results collectively.
These additional sessions have proven to be very popular and have added strength to our work. Members have the opportunity to show their work on top quality equipment and have it commented on by experienced photographic judges.
Even in death we can be uncertain if humour is intended - inscribed on an American gravestone are these words, “She lived with her husband for 50 years and died in the confident hope of a better life.”