Going Underground
2026-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Newcastle-under-Lyme
My notes from planning night say ‘Subways in Newcastle’.
I can’t remember why. I’ll let you know. And which subways. And which Newcastle??
Sounds good though!

No Meeting This Week
2026-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Park Hall Country Park, Hulme Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST3 5BH
Due to a number of factors, there will be no meeting this week.

Red Night
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Will it be red for romance (it is nearly valentine’s Day after all)? Will it be red roses? Will it be blood? Will it just be to stick to the rule of always having something red in your picture? Will it be something else….red?
It’s up to you! You have the upstairs room and your imagination and creativity to shoot something red.

The Return of Ashley Franklin and the Wider World
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
We are delighted to welcome Ashley back as we have all been looking forward to part 2 of The Wider World of Photography. Part 1 was highly entertaining and I’m sure part 2 will be just as good if not better!
Please note that we will be upstairs this week.

Sports Photography with guest speaker Lee Chapman
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
We are delighted to welcome Lee back who did such a great talk last year. This time he will be talking about sports photography so definitely one not to miss.

Planning and Show and Tell
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Yes it’s time already to plan our Summer programme so bring along your suggestions and volunteering heads as we get the diary full quickly ready for another of our universe-famous show and tells. Details to follow in your email.

Projects Night
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
We’re upstairs again as you finally get the chance to do that project you’ve been meaning to get round to but never had the time. Plus you have the benefit of having people around you to help, encourage and even model for you.
But what will YOU do?

The Collaborative Approach with Natasha J Bella
2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
A very special evening as model Natasha shows us how to pose a model and then poses for us so we can put into practice what we have learnt. I know a lot of us struggle with this so this is something we have waited a long time for.
Please note that this is a pay what you can evening so you can all attend.

Why I Love Photography by......Louise!
2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Louise has been promising to do a presentation for us for many a year and now finally the time has arrived! Fill the room, bring cake and celebrate as she steps up and continues this epic series by explaining and showing why she loves photography.

Practically Bob Brind-Surch
2026-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
You wanted more and you’ve got more!
Tonight is an elaboration on Bob’s recent visit with a live demo showing how you can take your photography from the ordinary to the extraordinary. There will also be time for the some of the questions that Bob didn’t have time to answer last time as well as any new ones you may have.
A night definitely not to miss eh Jappleyard……?

Single Light Portraiture
2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
In the big room tonight as we shoot each other. Again. But this time you are only allowed to use one light. Bag searches will be done at the door in case you try and smuggle an extra one in. Or probably not.
Maybe have a look on the internet or even in a book to see what you want to achieve.

Why I Love Photography by Claire
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
See, I told you you wouldn’t have to wait too long to get this presentation that was postponed from the first week in January….and then from the last week in February….
Hopefully there will be no snow tonight or I forgot I’d booked a guest speaker in as Claire shows us some pictures that demonstrate why she she loves photography.
I wonder if there will be any pictures of cats…. Don’t let it put you off if there are…..

Let's see how you did
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Tonight is a Limited Edition show and tell night as we ask you to submit pictures for discussion that are single light portraits. Ones from April 9th and any you have taken since are more than welcome as we nail down the subject and all become experts. Again.

Single Light Portraiture
2026-04-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
In the big room tonight as we shoot each other. Again. We might even shoot Tasha too. But this time you are only allowed to use one light. Bag searches will be done at the door in case you try and smuggle an extra one in. Or probably not. Maybe have a look on the internet or even in a book.

Back to Basics Night with Claire
2026-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
You asked for it and Claire is going to provide it as she takes a night either introducing or reaffirming the basics. I think she’s starting with aperture and the second half may be a practical outside (weather permitting) so bring your camera along because the best way to learn is by having a go.

Tabletop Photography with Nicko
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
I’ve only ever done this by accident before, take a picture of a tabletop, but now Nicko reckons we can have a whole night on it….!
Or it could be something to do with taking pictures FROM a tabletop….that sounds a bit more likely…..so bring your cameras, maybe a subject to shoot and we’ll supply the tables at no extra charge.

A Night Out at Keele University
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Keele University
Tonight we will be visiting the much lauded grounds of Keele University where apparently there is free parking too. Lots to see and photograph I am told so I’m looking forward to this one. Further details on parking will follow in your emails later.

Creative Editing Night
2026-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
We haven’t done this for a few years so we’re bringing it back.
So what happens, you send your unedited pictures to Claire and she sends them out to anyone that wants a go at editing them. On the night we show them and see how everyone would edit them. More details to follow in your emails.
And no, some of you…..Daleks do not need to appear in every picture….!

A Night out at Chatterley Whitfield Country Park
2026-06-04 19:00 - 21:00 | chatterley whitfield, Biddulph Road, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 8UW, United Kingdom
Another place I’ve never been to so I’m looking forward to this. And so should you.
A reliable source tells me it’s worth visiting. So we shall.
More details to follow such as parking info in your emails.

It's.....SOAK NICKO NIGHT!
2026-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Yes, it’s back by universally popular demand (with only one objector….can’t think who that would be…) as we soak Nicko and pretend we care that the water will be freezing…..mwa ha ha ha.
It’s actually water wigs night where we place a water-filled balloon on his head, then pop said balloon and take a picture as it explodes forming said water wig. Obviously we need to do this quite a few times and if anyone else wants to volunteer, you’re more than welcome….?
You can also do other liquid related photography of course such as clinking glasses and water droplets. If you have a paddling pool please bring it along.
Cameras and tripods would be a grand idea.

Foxfield Railway with a bonus model
2026-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Foxfield railway
Thanks to Graham we are back at Foxfield railway and your esteemed MLC will be sourcing us a suitably dressed model to shoot while we are there. Always a highlight of the Summer our Foxfield night out is always a great evening so don’t be a daftie and miss out or the carriages will talk about you behind your back.

So much going on that I feel the need to write a really long title
2026-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
In one room John Jones will be demonstrating FastStone which is a free, basic editing software while Claire will be covering masks and FCM layering in Photoshop.
And if neither of those interest you then either next door (not Debby’s house) or outside you will be doing off camera flash.
All bases covered methinks.

A night out at Trentham Gardens
2026-07-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Trentham Gardens
Trentham Gardens opens late and it’s cut price to get in so what better place to spend a balmy Summer’s evening when you live nowhere near a beach? Lots to see and photograph as well as well as watch the Twandies on the playground….although it was Claire on the slide last time….
How many laps of the lake can you do though whilst also taking pictures and not running….?

How close can you go on macro night?
2026-07-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Grab your macro lenses and let’s get up close and intimate with whatever subjects you bring in. There are always people on hand to help you if you’re not sure what you’re doing or why things just won’t come into focus.
Tip: Bring cameras too……

A Night Out at Newcastle Raceway
2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Newcastle Raceway
The cyclists will be fast but will your shutter speed be too? Depends on what affect you’re going for of course and, if you have no idea what I’m talking about, ask someone while we’re there.
This is the first time we’ve done this so many thanks to John Jones for arranging it….he will be our spokesperson for the evening…..yes, wheelie….so saddle up and put pedal to the metal to get there….

The History of Photography Part 3
2026-07-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Yes, I know, it’s been a while but finally the wait is over as I present the next (surely not final) episode in this long-running saga.
But where were we and where will we get to? Come along and find out and hopefully I’ll know before then….

Motorbikes at JCB lake (approval pending)
2026-07-30 19:00 - 21:00 | JCB lake
Last year we had a super night where Rob and his mates brought motorbikes into the club and this is the sequel!
Nikki is attempting to get permission to use the area around the JCB lake which is very exciting and will be ideal for reflections etc.
Details and confirmation to follow but wherever we go you won’t want to miss it.

Upstairs for some still life photography
2026-08-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
If it doesn’t move, shoot it.
But what will you shoot? Flowers were mentioned as the primary subjects but it is up to you what you decide to photograph. Get inspired online and create a still life for the ages.

A Night out at Ford Green Nature Reserve
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Ford Green Hall, 375B Ford Green Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST6 1NG, United Kingdom
With bonus bughunting! So maybe bring a macro lens with you….and maybe a wide angle to get a shot of Ford Green Hall and maybe a zoom lens in case there are some birds around the pond….and maybe that will do for lenses….maybe….
Bring a camera too.
Warm weather booked.

Critique Night with Picko
2026-08-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Marychurch Centre, 153 Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Picko very bravely steps up to the front to critique your submissions which always makes for an interesting and interactive evening.
Submission details will be in your email closer to the time.
