Jeanne Bevis – Club President

Club Members were greatly saddened to  hear of the death of Jeanne Bevis, our long-serving President, on Thursday 6th April. Jeanne, who was 98, had lived in her own home until just before Christmas when she broke her hip in a fall.  

Ann McDonald told us that she had visited Jeanne just over a week ago on Jeanne’s birthday and how Jeanne had rallied when she saw Ann and how pleased she was to receive the flowers and greetings from the Club.  

Jeanne was of course an absolute stalwart at the Club, to see her chair empty was a rare occurrence.  She had given many, many years service to the Club and to the photography world, which was recognised by the Southern Counties Photographic Federation which put Jeanne’s name on the SCPF Roll of Honour.  A great privilege.

She has been one of our longest serving members, joining the club in 1957. She became club President in 1989, taking up the role after the death of her husband, George, who was President at the time. During all that time she has worked tirelessly for the Club and has been enthusiastic in the promotion of photography and in encouraging and helping the members. She donated our beautiful silver Seal of Office which is worn at official Club events and also our new smart print easel, for which we are really grateful.

At the age of 87 she embraced digital photography, buying a computer and learning the intricacies of digital manipulation and printing, shortly afterwards gaining her LRPS with a panel of digital images. At the time her enthusiasm for digital imaging was an inspiration to many much younger members. In addition to photography she was a gifted potter, with her own potter’s wheel and kiln. She was also Chairman of Chichester Magistrates at one stage. 

She took her role as Club President very seriously indeed. She never missed the opening of the Annual Exhibition, each year giving her President’s speech with energy and aplomb. This year’s opening will the very first one she has not attended – she will be greatly missed.

Club President, Jeanne Bevis, receiving the SCPF Roll of Honour in April 2016.

Jeanne Bevis – Chichester Camera Club’s President