Dave, What entails a Leica fellowship?
I would not normally have posted this information in deference to the Forum owners and implied advertising, but as it is in answer to quite a few similar enquiries sent by private posting, there is obviously a more public curiosity if not interest in the Leica Fellowship, so here goes:
I have a section devoted to the Fellowship on my web site
David Simmonds Photography: Welcome and if you google it you will also find the Fellowship's own rather dated web site.
The Leica Fellowship was formed in 1976 by a group of enthusiasts who attended a two/three day Leica course at either Wetzlar, Solms (Germany), Luton or Milton Keynes(England). The courses were the requirement for membership. Unfortunately the courses no longer exist in the same 2/3 day duration. Therefore entry requirements have had to be changed.
Membership is available to persons:
• Who have attended a Leica course of suitable duration, the course having been approved by the Council.
• User or users of Leica cameras who are proposed and seconded by fully paid up members and are approved by the Council.
This month I have enrolled a chap who attended a course at Wetzlar many moons ago and another just this week did not attend any course but is an avid Leica enthusiast and we managed to get him proposed and seconded as a member!
We meet twice a year Spring and Autumn alternating North South East and West of the UK and spouses are positively encouraged! We have an informal competition in the Spring and a more serious (nothing is ever that serious!) print and digital projection competitions in the Autumn when various trophy's are up for grabs! Last Year the Americans grabbed many of them!
The week-ends start on a friday usually at about 18.00 hrs for registration followed by welcome cocktails then dinner followed by a talk, by a leading light in the Leica world or sometimes by a member. Saturday is usually a free day for members to enjoy the locality then Dinner and either a competition or another talk. The organiser tries to get a key speaker (not necessarily Leica biased) such as Charlie Waite or similar at least once during each week-end. Sunday is the coach outings day, usually to some local photographic opportunity or attraction. Dinner in the evening and then home again on Monday. An attractive all inclusive price usually ensures good attendance of 70-90 members and spouses.
The talks and banter go on in the bars around the hotel, which are usually of large Best Western standard. So reasonable but not over expensive. It is really all about the camaraderie and the spouses are as keen as the blokes to meet up with their counterparts for a good chat and gossip. It is the best photographic club of anywhere in my opinion!!
Whilst the emphasis is on matters Leica, it is by no means all Leica and many other brands are often seen and discussed informally and whilst out and about. We have members from New Zealand, Holland (Erwin Puts and his charming wife), a number from the USA and Canada, all who participate at meetings but not always on every occasion.
Now you know!! So let me know if you are interested, preferably by a PP please.