Photographer’s life is celebrated

TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented photographer and club stalwart who has passed away, aged 85.

Donald Entwistle served as secretary for 50 years at Bacup Camera Club between 1959 and 2009 and was also a long-standing Bacup Natural History Society committee member.

The grandfather-of-ten, from Shawforth, was also a member of the Whitworth Town Twinning committee and previously acted as secretary for the Whitworth Wheelers cycling group.

The former architect passed away on Wednesday, September 28, aged 85 following a short stay in hospital.

His wife of 51 years Claire said his death came as a shock.

She said: “We weren’t expecting it. We had just been camping to Northumberland six weeks earlier and he had also just celebrated his cousin’s 50th wedding anniversary.

“It was quite a shock. He went into hospital and seemed quite all right but then he passed away a few days later.” ●● Donald Entwistle

More than 100 people attended a celebration of Donald’s life at Shawforth Chapel on Tuesday, October 4.

Claire, 70, said: “He was a very funny man with a dry sense of humour but he could be serious when he wanted to be. He loved his grandchildren.

“We had a really good funeral service with lots of friends and people talking about him.”

Colin Hubbard, treasurer of Bacup Camera Club, had been friends with Donald for 50 years as both had worked at Salford Town Hall.

He said: “I found out he passed away the day I returned from France. About two years ago he got quite a bad chest infection and after that he became quite frail, but he never lost that sparkle.

“He was a very talented photographer. He was at the forefront of 35mm photography and had an amazing collection of Leica cameras.

“He was very witty and a loving father and husband. For those 50 years he kept the club going there’s no doubt about it. He was the continuity of the club.”

Friend Karen Cowley said he was a ‘lovely man’.

She said: “Whenever they had an exhibition you always knew which ones were Donald’s.

“They were so different, usually in black and white and focused on something very detailed. He was an expert and had a really good eye.”