The Through the Lens Photography Group had a busy year in 2023. The club hosted some very interesting and informative speakers during the year, who, following their talk set the members a task based on their subject, eg: portrait, landscape, flash. Then they returned to judge and critique our efforts, this proved to be a very positive exercise. Apart from our fortnightly meetings we held several field trips locally during the year but the most adventurous one was to Lambay Island in June. We were warmly welcomed on arrival, some hiked to the top of the hill to see the view and maybe see some wallabies, others concentrated on shore photography. We were then given a guided tour and history of the island, fascinating stuff. It was a great day and thoroughly enjoyed by all, and the BBQ on the boat on the way home rounded it off nicely. After the summer break we concentrated on production of the 2024 calendar and preparation for an exhibition held in the Parish Hall in November both of which were very successful. This year we were pleased to sponsor the local Tidy Towns committees again, a worthy group who works diligently to enhance our community. A first for the club in 2023 was our entering a national photography competition. We didn’t get any prizes, but the experience was a huge learning curve which I’m sure will benefit us in the future. Through the Lens Photography Group cater for all levels and experience in a friendly and supportive way. If you have a camera stashed away in a cupboard and would love to know how to use it then come and give us a try, you don’t even need a fancy camera, mobile phones are excellent and better than some cameras. We meet every second Tuesday in Donabate Golf Club and are open for membership. For any enquiries, please call Audrey on 0862144858, or Carolyn on 0879284307.