We regret that we have more sad news to report. Len Beard, a founder member of Velindre and Trostre Camera Club passed away on the 9th April. The following obituary is from Des Daughton.
Len joined Velindre Camera Club at the works in the mid ’60’s, when members met in the old huts formerly used by on-site contractors. He had the first of many successful entries in the Welsh Salon soon afterwards. This year saw him gain 3 acceptances to the Salon, A digital image called Journey’s End and two prints named A Quiet Corner and Moonshine.
Len was a ‘regular’ on the Velindre C.C. committee, holding all posts [except Treasurer and Secretary], and was Chairman four times. During one of these terms he oversaw the transfer of the club from Velindre to Trostre – but after finishing his term as President, much later, he ‘retired from active service’!
On numerous occasions Len won all of the ‘internal’ Club trophies and some of them several times.
For over 50 years he has given talks and demonstrations to the Club on many and varied subjects , including Judging, Composition, Black and White Printing, Cutting Mounts, Mounting Prints, Landscapes and many others. He was a great source of information and could always be relied upon to speak on a subject and be listened to.
In 2009 Len was made a ‘Life Member’ of Velindre and Trostre Camera Club. In appreciation of this honour he gave the Club a Cup to be presented annually to the Beginner with the highest score in competitions that year to encourage them to develop. This was typical of his thoughtfulness and his commitment to the club.
Len has always enjoyed the challenges, the competitions, the events, and most of all the friendship of his Club. On January 30th we celebrated his 80th Birthday and he was presented with an en-scribed glass plaque to commemorate his life and founder membership of the club. Len fell ill at the beginning of March and past away peacefully during the night of Monday 9th April. This was a man who commanded our respect, enlivened our lives, and gave of himself time and time again to anyone who needed him.
We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Linda and all the family, may God bless them and give them strength. He will be sorely missed by all that new him.
May he rest in peace.