MALVERN'S Beacon Camera Club is preparing to embark on its 35th season buoyed by a resurgence of interest.

The season opens on Thursday, September 8, at the Lower Wyche Institute at 7.45pm. It finishes on April 6 with the annual awards night.

The club is affiliated to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, through its area organisation, the Midland Counties Photographic Federation. The opening meeting offers a chance to see the PAGB slide exhibition for 2004, while enrolment takes place.

In common with many societies, Beacon Camera Club suffered a dip in numbers into the 20s three or four years ago.

However, chairman Peter Oliver said the advent of digital photography had sparked real interest in the subject and numbers last season topped 40.

The club programme is a mixture of speakers, members sharing ideas and inspiration, practical evenings and competitions. Traditional photography, as well as digital, is represented in the membership and all levels of ability are welcome.

Competitions are an important feature and are decided by independent judges drawn from the MCPF. Last season, the five set competitions, including mono-crome prints, colour prints and slides, attracted over 400 entries.

Subscription is £32 for the season and newcomers can attend for three weeks for £1 a session, taken off the full fee when they join. For more details, contact Mr Oliver on 01684 568327 or the secretary, Terry Pardoe on 563703.