Community pays tribute to photographer while raising funds for stroke support
An exhibition held at the Bandstand in Aberystwyth to celebrate the life and work of photographer Tony Hicklin has raised £1,718 for the Stroke Association. The event, staged on 1 August by family and friends, brought together images by Tony and fellow local photographers and served both as a memorial and a reminder of the need for awareness of stroke warning signs.
Organised in memory of a much-loved patron of the Aberystwyth Camera Club, the exhibition united residents, club members and visitors for a day of photographs, conversation and fundraising. Those who knew Tony described him as someone whose encouragement and kindness had a lasting impression on the local photography community.
Tony Hicklin died after suffering a stroke and then a pulmonary embolism. According to accounts from his family, he recognised the warning signs and alerted a car salesman when he felt unwell, who then called an ambulance. Despite that prompt action, he could not be saved. The exhibition was planned as a way to honour his memory whilst supporting an organisation that helps stroke survivors and their families.
“The exhibition brought us as a family closer to dad and we will always remember that day and the hard work that went into it.”
His daughter Danni spoke of the emotional significance of the day for the family. Friends and event organisers from Aberystwyth Camera Club emphasised the warmth of the response from the public and the importance of raising awareness.
“It was a fantastic celebration of the life and photography of Tony, our dear friend. The love in the room was palpable and I was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the public. I think we did him proud. The Stroke Association presence encouraged the many donations.”
Lonnie Morris, a member of the camera club who helped organise the show, highlighted how the event combined remembrance with practical support for stroke services. The money raised on the day will be passed to the Stroke Association to assist its ongoing work with stroke survivors, their families and the communities that support them.
How the day came together
Visitors to the Bandstand were able to view and purchase photographic prints, with local artists contributing work alongside Tony's images. The exhibition offered an accessible way for residents to celebrate a local figure while making a tangible contribution to a health charity with relevance to the circumstances of Tony's death.
- Event: Photography exhibition in memory of Tony Hicklin
- Date: 1 August
- Venue: Bandstand, Aberystwyth
- Funds raised: £1,718 for the Stroke Association
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount donated | £1,718 |
| Date of event | 1 August |
| Venue | Bandstand, Aberystwyth |
For many in Aberystwyth the exhibition did more than raise money: it provided a space to reflect on a local life and the role that hobby groups such as the camera club play in knitting communities together. The presence of the Stroke Association at the event also served an educational purpose, reminding attendees of the importance of recognising stroke symptoms and acting fast.
While the funds will assist the national charity, the organisers and family expressed that the real legacy of the day was the reaffirmation of community bonds and the public recognition of Tony's contribution to local culture. Events like this underscore how small, grassroots efforts in Aberystwyth can both commemorate an individual and contribute to wider public health causes.
The Aberystwyth Camera Club continues to be active locally and the exhibition has prompted conversations about future shows and community-driven fundraising events to support other causes important to residents.
