Neil Purcell – SCPF Roll of Honour

On Thursday 9th October the club had a visit from the President of the Southern Counties Photographic Federation (SCPF), Stewart Lacey. Stewart was at the club to award the SCPF ‘Roll of Honour’ award to Neil Purcell. The following is the transcript of Stewart’s speech:

The SCPF Roll of Honour was created in 2004 to recognise the important contributions made by individuals to club photography. This is not limited to serving in committee roles. We want to recognise all contributions that are vital to club and federation life. This could include those who set up the hall, sell raffle tickets, serve refreshments. To qualify, members must have been actively contributing for at least 10 years.

Tonight, we recognise someone whose contribution to Farnborough Camera Club has been nothing short of exceptional — someone who has given over a decade of service, leadership, and enthusiasm, and whose influence has quietly shaped the club into what it is today.

This individual joined the club just over thirteen years ago and very quickly became an integral part of it. They first joined the committee in 2012 as PDI Secretary, a role they held — or shared — for around ten years. Their dedication and technical ability soon made them indispensable, and they later stepped up as Treasurer, guiding the club through the particularly challenging Covid years. It was during this time that they modernised the club’s finances, moving everything to digital systems to keep things running smoothly.

Then, in 2022, they took on the role of Chairperson. Under their leadership, the club embarked on a complete restructuring of the internal competition system. This was no small task — it required consultation, diplomacy, and a steady hand to balance tradition with innovation. Thanks to their leadership, Farnborough Camera Club now enjoys a refreshed, inclusive competition structure that encourages creativity and broadens the range of photographic work produced by members.

But beyond the official titles, this individual has always been at the heart of the club’s practical life. Whether repositioning the projector screen, storing display boards in their garage, modifying the print light box, or redesigning the award certificates — they’ve been the person quietly making sure everything works as it should.

They’ve also been instrumental in keeping the club technically up to date — researching and recommending new projectors, laptops, and software to improve the experience for all. And they’ve shared their photographic knowledge generously — running practical evenings on everything from smoke pens and sparklers to model racing cars and abstract photography, as well as giving talks on topics such as wide-angle and digital editing techniques.

Those who know this person describe them as intelligent, approachable, and endlessly supportive — someone who treats every member, new or experienced, as a valued part of the club. They have led with humour, patience, and genuine care — the kind of leadership that keeps a club not just functioning but thriving.

And so, with great appreciation for years of dedication, energy, and support to Farnborough Camera Club, it gives me immense pleasure to award the SCPF Roll of Honour to Neil Purcell.

More information at Roll of Honour – SCPF