Joined the Algarve Photographers Group in 2009

President from 2010 to 2019

Received Honorary Membership in recognition of all her hard work in 2023.

For nine years, Mary was a committed and valued President of the Algarve Photographers Group. She came from a military family that moved from posting to posting and consequently, she was educated at a boarding school in Cheshire.

Kathleen Mary McClay (1936-2025)

This prepared her for a career in nursing and exceptional organizational skills that, in subsequent years, were of great benefit to the APG. She frequently arranged field trips, social events, photographic activities, workshops and talks. She directed the membership with military precision but her caring side was never far away. On occasions, she looked after members, taking them under her wing, helping them back to health and stability.

Her personal interest in photography showed commitment and an ability to improve. As the years went by, she became more technically adept and in later exhibitions, her photographs received positive comments at APG critiques. Following her retirement from the group, she continued to show her positive concern for others, becoming involved with the British Legion.

The ‘Mary McClay Award’ was introduced by the APG and is presented annually to a member who has shown a high level of “Dedication” to the art of photography.

Kathleen Mary McClay passed away on the 30th of March 2025.

Text by Carolyn Kain and the photo is taken by Peter Kain