Some people leave a mark on this world. I’ll probably leave a stain. But our Camera Club members do not need to be demoralised when asking about camera problems.

Our meeting on 18th September covered an evening especially for new members and beginners covering “Preparation of Images for Competition and Entering International Exhibitions”. 9th October covers “Getting Off Auto”. “Photo-Editing Hints and Tips”, 8th January, are all by experienced Club members. Our more experienced members are always willing to give help and advice when asked. Our website, www.fordingbridgecameraclub.org.uk contains our programme. It is a mixture - talks by visiting top photographers plus club member’s knowledge and experience. These are coupled with opportunities to show your work on top quality equipment and have it constructively commented on by experienced photographic judges. Visitors are always welcome to our meetings for a charge of £5. “Urban Photography After Dark” by Richard Sercombe is scheduled for 2nd October. “Bolivia and Peru”, a talk on 20th November by Eric and Sue Lewis is given by two well known professional photographer from Bournemouth.

Continuing with random thoughts on failure. Failure is not falling down: it’s not getting up again. Mark Twain once wrote, “It’s a weak mind that can think of only one way to spell a word”. A slight error in spelling a word can lead to a new word. Amplifly – is this a winged insect that buzzes loudly? Barebecue – is this a nudist colony picnic? Poortion – is this a dinner serving at a homeless shelter? Luftwaffle – is this a German air force traditional breakfast? Flaboratory – is this a research centre for diet products? Discomboobulation – is this a plastic surgeon’s error? Keeptomania – is this a relentless neurotic impulse to save everything? Parchmint – is this a lozenge for a dry throat? And finally – Inconsoilable – is this endless grieving over a stain?