This week members were entertained by Derek Godridge, the club's vice president who presented his travelogue, “Mexico 2013 Photo Album”.

The photos were taken on a Rotary Friendship Exchange to follow the Cornish Miners Great Trek of 1825. We heard that the miners landed near Vera Cruz and trekked 250 miles to Real Del Monte, to restart silver mines abandoned by the Spanish when they left the country.

We saw photos of Mexico City, very modern, busy and adorned with sculptures, which was a great contrast to other towns along the route eg Xalapa, Pachuca. The Real Del Monte three day Pasty Festival was well documented with many images of the children taking part, pasties in production and waiting to be judged by the British Ambassador, dancing girls in the street, some of the local characters.

We were also shown photos of Old Acosta Silver Mine, a silver processing plant with its lagoons and chimneys, the grand clock tower built by Cornishman Frances Rule in the 1890s and Uxmal, a restored Mayan site. It was fascinating to see a Cornish engine house built on such far shores, hear about the museum and festivals dedicated to the Cornish miners and the pride of the Mexicans for that part of their heritage. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

If you had a new camera for Christmas, or are thinking of taking up photography as a hobby this year, why not come along and see if the club is for you. You will receive a warm welcome and lots of help getting to grips with your camera and taking better photos.

Our next meetings are: February 6, a just for fun portrait competition being judged by our chairman, Mark Walker, to enable members to practice the skills taught during the season by Mark and other members. February 13, another tutorial evening with the tuition subjects yet to be announced.

Meetings take place each Thursday at 7.30pm at The Space, Penryn RFC, Kernick Road, Penryn TR10 9LF. It is a friendly and welcoming club that aims to help people improve their photography skills. If you would like further information on the club please telephone the chairman Mark Walker on 07518 299379, visit the club website at www.penryncameraclub.org.uk or find us on Facebook.