Memories

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"I was very sad to hear of Pat's death. Back in about 2011 BSOL started a digital photography group for mentors.  I remember ringing the BSOL office to see if I could come as a learner.  I was welcomed and so my journey began.  Very soon after it was opened up to Learner members.  I remember Pat being there then.

 

My interest was to learn computer skills to equip me to integrate my photos from camera to the digital world of the computer. The facilitator was Brian, very nice man, a photography enthusiast but he soon needed to leave due to health reasons.  Pat very willingly stepped up and ably facilitated the birthing of the digital photography self-help group.  During this time, I realised I had become a member of a photography group.  I took photos but at that time wouldn't consider myself a photographer but my interest in photography grew. Interesting speakers were invited, we introduced the occasional photo shoot excursion, together with various members sharing their knowledge on all things digital or photography.

 

Pat together with many in the group steered this group happily for some years.  Some of us started having lunch before our journey home which added a social dimension.   

 

Our premises changed a few times until we eventually moved to the city library which was decided to be a more central venue as a meeting place with our ageing bodies. As time passed it became apparent that we needed to consider our future moving forward.  Again, Pat together with a team of helpers explored options which were presented to all of us.  These were pondered for some time by all members with adjustments and together we made a decision, all very professional and proper. The outcome is what we all experience and enjoy as our fotofolk group as it is now.

 

Our photography continues, we continue to welcome new members, many of us continue to enjoy lunch in the library after meetings and fotofolk is well established and on a continuing journey which is a conversation for another time. 

 

Our dear friend Pat, may she rest in peace knowing that her beloved photography group, which was but one of her passions, is well in hand and safely on course.

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She will be sadly missed for her warmth, friendliness, welcoming spirit, her generosity and willingness to share her many gifts, her resolute integrity, her quiet mischievousness and sense of fun, and her steadfast endurance to the end.  

 

Thank You, Pat, Rest Peacefully."  

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Mavis Brady (member for 15 years) 7 July 2026