Most of the adult population of this country either own or have access to a camera. In a majority of cases, the camera is used only rarely; perhaps on holiday and for family gatherings. Expectations of success may not be great. While this may be good news for film manufacturers and photographic processors, it leaves a considerable amount of unused potential.

Perhaps you fall into this category of photographer. Would you like to learn more about photography and to improve the quality of your pictures? A photographic society provides this opportunity.

In the London Borough of Bromley, there are estimated to be at least 50 000 amateur photographers. The total membership of the photographic societies in the borough is less than 250. What follows is aimed at the 49 750 "lost members" with the hope that at least a small proportion may wish to find out more about what they are missing.

Under the following headings, we have tried to anticipate what you may wish to know about West Wickham Photographic Society.

• Size
  What can be considered the optimum number in a group? Fewer than 12 - not enough to interact properly and hard to justify the effort employed. More than 30 - difficult to give everyone sufficient attention and opportunity.

  Attendances at WWPS fall comfortably between these extremes. They are small enough to look after the individual and to offer everyone a fair opportunity, but large enough to ensure a range of abilities and interests. Someone will almost certainly share your specific interest and be able to answer your questions and to give you appropriate advice.

• Cost
  What is a reasonable estimate of the cost of various recreational activities? Watching a sporting event is unlikely to cost less than £5. Attendance at an educational course is probably at least £3 a session. Buying a specialist magazine is likely to set you back a minimum of £2 an issue.

  The first year of membership of WWPS costs just 68p an evening (even less if you are under 21 or a full-time student!). The full adult rate for subsequent years is still less than £1.40. Additionally there is a special rate for family membership.

  We believe we give good value to our members.

• Programme
  Look at our programmes for the current and the previous seasons. They include talks, competitions (internal and external), demonstrations and members' evenings (when we can concentrate on the specific contributions and questions of members). You will see that we offer the same variety of evenings as groups in neighbouring areas. We enjoy the same high standard of judging. We invite speakers who are experts in their fields. Plus you have the opportunity to make your mark and to be fully involved in the club.

• Interested?
  We hope you are. Why not come along to a few meetings to meet us? There is no obligation to become a member immediately. If you prefer, phone the Secretary, Norman Bernard (020 8462 4454) for further information, or send us an email.