CLUB HISTORY

The roots of the original 'Isle of Thanet Photographic Society' go back as early as 1888. Meetings took place in Ramsgate and membership in those days was in excess of 100.  It is thought that this society ceased around 1914 because of the upheaval of the First World War.

The present Society was formed in 1947 by Frank Matthews, who also became Mayor of Margate in 1978, (see List of Mayors ).  He placed an advert in the Isle of Thanet Gazette which asked for all those interested in forming or joining a photographic club to contact him.   As a result, an inaugural meeting was held at the old Margate Library in Victoria Road on 12 December 1946.  The first meeting was held on 17 January 1947 and about 30 members attended.  The Society was then known as the Margate Camera Club. Its meetings were later held at the old St John's School in Victoria Road. 

In the early 1970s, the Society moved its venue to Northdown Hall, Holy Trinity Church Cliftonville, where we still meet today.