Tuesday 31 March 2026
On Tuesday we had one of the most enjoyable and varied nights in the club calendar, as members shared some of their passions, interests and experiences before we rounded the evening off with a Club Auction.
We were treated to six short presentations, each very different, but all fascinating.
Pat Langford opened the evening with a look at smuggling in Sussex. Pat explained how, during the 1500s and 1600s, many local people relied on farming, fishing, wool production and ironworking for their livelihoods. As these industries declined, smuggling became an attractive way to supplement income, with fishermen, farmers and craftsmen often combining their ordinary jobs with transporting contraband by night. Pat showed how Sussex’s coastline, local geography and community support helped smuggling thrive, and reminded us that although the trade eventually disappeared when import duties were reduced and preventative officers increased, it remains an important part of Sussex folklore.
Ian Van Eetvelt then took us on a journey through his own photographic life. Ian reflected on his early fascination with cameras, his days of darkroom work and enlargers, and the way photography has remained a constant throughout his life. Alongside his career in engineering and IT, Ian shared his love of sailing, skiing and travel, as well as his more recent interest in drone photography and videography. With retirement on the horizon, Ian is looking forward to spending more time with his family, his camera and, of course, Worthing Camera Club.
Russell Field followed with an introduction to Worthing Sub-aqua club. Russell spoke about the activities of Worthing Sub-Aqua Club, which runs regular dives from Littlehampton Marina and trains new members through try-dives and club sessions. His photographs of wreck dives, reef life, lobsters, cuttlefish and tropical fish gave us a glimpse into the remarkable world beneath the sea and showed just how rewarding underwater photography can be. More details about Worthing Sub-aqua Club can be found here.
Bob Tutt then shared his interest in metal detecting. Bob’s presentation highlighted the excitement of discovering objects hidden beneath the ground and the connection this creates with local history. His finds and stories showed how his hobby can uncover fascinating pieces of the past, while also demonstrating the patience and persistence the hobby requires. As well as the dangers of some discoveries.
David Parkinson’s presentation explored the use of artificial intelligence for restoring old photographs. David explained how AI can remove scratches, repair damage, improve sharpness and even colourise historic images. He also discussed the limitations of AI, particularly the danger of “hallucinating” details or creating images that appear unrealistically perfect. His talk showed that while AI can be a valuable tool, the human eye and judgement are still essential in producing believable and authentic restorations.
Finally, Celia Buckley spoke about writing and publishing her first novel. Celia described the process of developing an idea, writing the manuscript and seeing the finished book in print. Her talk was an inspiring reminder that creativity can take many forms and that it is never too late to take on a new challenge. Her book “A Timely Exchange” can be found here.
After six excellent presentations, members enjoyed the Club Auction, bringing another enjoyable and entertaining evening to a close.