MEMBERS of Narberth and District Probus were privileged, recently, to meet Penally’s Rebecca Naden, one of the world’s top photographers.

Rebecca was born in Panteg, South Wales but moved to Penally at the age of 5 when her father, a Major in the army, was posted to Manorbier. She grew up in Penally and attended Greenhill School in Tenby. At the age of 18 she left to follow a photography course at a college in the midlands.

As a woman she has claimed many firsts. After qualifying, Rebecca joined the Birmingham Post and Mail (as its first ever female) and then later left to become the first woman in 140 years to join the Press Association. Over the next 25 years she travelled the world documenting news for the PA in various areas of activity.

During this time Rebecca has photographed hundreds of famous names including Rafael Nadal, Seve Ballesteros, David Beckham, Tiger Woods, Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Princess Diana, William and many other royals.

In 1994, Rebecca was named Royal Photographer of the year - one of many awards she has won over the years. She was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourites and whenever Her Majesty needed to have a photograph taken she always asked for Rebecca. Indeed, the Queen used one of Rebecca’s photographs as her official Christmas card on one occasion and it was sent to thousands of people all over the world.

Rebecca has covered several Olympic games, Wimbledon and other world sporting events. In 2012, she returned to Wales to become Reuters’ only Wales based photographer and to Pembrokeshire where she now lives - in the same house in Penally in which she grew up.

At the Probus meeting, Rebecca projected many photographs and described the background leading to the final image. Members were impressed by the pinpoint sharpness, the colours and the balance of each perfect picture.

A vote of thanks was given by Freeman Brawn.

The next meeting of the club takes place on Thursday, November 27 and will be at the club’s new venue: The Old Board School Guest House, High Street, St Clears SA33 4DY. Speaker will be Pembrokeshire personality Brian Harries. The meeting starts at 12.30pm and you are welcome to attend. Contact Patrick Jones 07846 660904 for further details.