Club News

Raymond Beston

"A Real Gentleman With An Avid Interest In Photography"

The members of Alnwick and District Camera Club were sad to hear the news of the death in December 2024 of Ray Beston.

Ray was a very active member of the Club for many years (since 1990s). He was unable to attend whilst his wife was unwell but did come back eventuallyand was filled with the same enthusiasm and love of both photography and the Club itself.

Ray was very happy to attend meetings and chat to members about their images, happy to give advice to others and generally enjoyed his Wednesday evenings. We have a lasting memorial to him in the shape of the print stand which he made in 1998 and which is still regularly used for print competitions and members’ evenings.

Although he did not want a fuss, we celebrated his 90th birthday with cake at our meeting – we could not let that pass without some kind of celebration!

He worked with another member, Peter Ayres, on a project they called the “Old Masters” in which they reproduced images of themselves in the style of the old masters of the art world – they were also referring to their combined advancing years as well!

He often used to thank me for my work as Secretary of the Club - he was keen to pass on his appreciation, a trait I will always associate with his kind and thoughtful nature.

Jackie Stent

Below are some thoughts from members of Alnwick and District Camera Club

I enjoyed my chats with him at the Club. He was a lovely man. (Val)

Ray and I always used to have a good chat when we met, often in the street, and he always asked about Helen my wife. He also happily sat for me when I was taking portraits for a project I was doing. After taking his portrait, we sat with a coffee and chatted about his life, his military service and photography. He was a true gentleman. (Micheal)

He loved the Club and was a gentleman and a gentle man. He was always so active even in his later years. (Laine)

He was a lovely man and would do anything for you. He used to regularly sharpen my chisels and they would be returned with a folded paper cover over the sharp edge. When we moved here, he gave us a garden voucher with which we bought an ornamental grass that is still growing well. (Alastair)

Always a pleasure to see and talk to Ray. He was a gentle man and always so kind. (Gerry)

A true gentleman. He loved walking around the Alnwick Garden and in particular the Cherry Orchard. Kind and gracious and always willing to impart helpful advice on "all things technical". (Margaret)

I visited him at home a few times and he was always interested in what was happening at the Club - he made a good cup of coffee and enjoyed a good chat! (Richard)

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